Needs Improvement
#1197 of 1,280 schools in IA
James Wilson Grimes School
Elementary School · Burlington Comm School District
800 South St., Burlington, IA 52601
Enrollment
247
Student-Teacher
11.8:1
Score
3.3
Grades
Kindergarten – 4th
Enrollment
247
Student-Teacher
11.8:1
Score
3.3
Grades
Kindergarten – 4th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#1,197 of 1,280
In Burlington
#5 of 8
public schools
In district
#5 of 8
Burlington Comm School District
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James Wilson Grimes School
Elementary School in Burlington · grades Kindergarten – 4th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Corse Early Childhood Center
0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
North Hill Elementary School
1.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About James Wilson Grimes School
James Wilson Grimes School is a public elementary school in Burlington, IA, part of Burlington Comm School District. James Wilson Grimes School serves approximately 247 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-4th, and has a 11.8:1 student-teacher ratio. James Wilson Grimes School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.3 out of 10 and ranks #1,197 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for James Wilson Grimes School show 61% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 66% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 3.3 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 4.2
- IA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
43% of students at James Wilson Grimes School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
James Wilson Grimes School — Students at James Wilson Grimes School score 49% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 54%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
75.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 32 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.3/10.
How James Wilson Grimes School Compares
See how James Wilson Grimes School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
800 South St., Burlington, IA 52601
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering James Wilson Grimes School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Danville Elementary School (rated 9.0/10, 11.7 miles away, in nearby Danville), which scores notably higher. Another option is West Burlington Elem School (rated 7.2/10, 3.2 miles away, in nearby West Burlington), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Mediapolis Elementary School (rated 6.1/10, 15.3 miles away, in nearby Mediapolis), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Burlington, see our Burlington schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 15.3 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 52601 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$57,123
Median Home Value
$125,500
Median Rent
$921/mo
Population
27,465
College Educated
23.5%
Homeownership
71.2%
Avg Commute
18.2 min
Poverty Rate
14.8%
Median Age
43.3
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Harlan Elementary School Mount Pleasant, IA | 3.3 |
| McKinley Elementary School Des Moines, IA | 3.3 |
| Briggs Elementary School Maquoketa, IA | 3.2 |
| King Elementary School Des Moines, IA | 3.2 |
| Melcher-Dallas Elementary Dallas, IA | 3.2 |
| Harris-Lake Park Elementary School Lake Park, IA | 3.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about James Wilson Grimes School
What grades does James Wilson Grimes School serve?
James Wilson Grimes School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 4th.
How many students attend James Wilson Grimes School?
James Wilson Grimes School has an enrollment of approximately 247 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at James Wilson Grimes School?
The student-teacher ratio at James Wilson Grimes School is 11.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does James Wilson Grimes School rank in IA?
James Wilson Grimes School ranks #1,197 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is James Wilson Grimes School's MySchoolScout rating?
James Wilson Grimes School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.3 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at James Wilson Grimes School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, James Wilson Grimes School has 61% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 66% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is James Wilson Grimes School a charter school?
No, James Wilson Grimes School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is James Wilson Grimes School a Title I school?
No, James Wilson Grimes School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for James Wilson Grimes School?
75.7% of students at James Wilson Grimes School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 4th
- Enrollment
- 247
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 21
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 75.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Town
- County
- Des Moines County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 42.5%
- Phone
- (319) 753-0420
Resources & Links
District
Burlington Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 3,233
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,619
- District Rank
- #5 of 8
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