Skip to main content

Below Average

#1028 of 1,280 schools in IA

Laurens-marathon Elementary School

Elementary School · Laurens-Marathon Comm School District

300 W Garfield, Laurens, IA 50554

Enrollment

145

Student-Teacher

9.7:1

Score

4.8

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,028 of 1,280

School environment

8.2 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Laurens-marathon Elementary School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Laurens-marathon Elementary School

4.8/10

Elementary School in Laurens · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Albert City-truesdale Elementary School

8.4/10

7.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Pocahontas Area Middle/ High School

5.7/10

12.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Laurens-marathon Elementary School

Laurens-marathon Elementary School is a public elementary school in Laurens, IA, part of Laurens-Marathon Comm School District. Laurens-marathon Elementary School serves approximately 145 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 9.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Laurens-marathon Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,028 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Laurens-marathon Elementary School show 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.7 pts below IA schools
  • This school 4.8 · Below Average
  • IA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

At 145 students, Laurens-marathon Elementary School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

At 9.7:1 students to teachers, Laurens-marathon Elementary School sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

Laurens-marathon Elementary School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.4Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-0.91 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics1.6Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency37.6% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency45.4% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-39.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-23.7 pts
Overall Proficiency42% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)72% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-30.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile2th
Resources & Environment8.2Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio9.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,164
Chronic Absenteeism35.9%

Laurens-marathon Elementary School — Students at Laurens-marathon Elementary School score 42% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 72%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

41.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 60.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
74.7% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 59.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
73.3% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 34 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
64.5%
ELA
64.5%
2010
Math
67%
ELA
77%
2011
Math
72%
ELA
57%
2012
Math
54.5%
ELA
54.5%
2013
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2014
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2015
Math
52%
ELA
62%
2016
Math
54.5%
ELA
44.5%
2017
Math
54.5%
ELA
64.5%
2018
Math
64.5%
ELA
64.5%
2019
Math
64.5%
ELA
64.5%
2020*
Math
74.5%
ELA
54.5%
2021*
Math
74.5%
ELA
54.5%
2022
Math
62%
ELA
67%
2025
Math
37.6%
ELA
45.4%

* 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: 5.4/10.

How Laurens-marathon Elementary School Compares

See how Laurens-marathon Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.8/10
20th percentile in IA
Academic
1.6/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
5.4/10
Average
Environment
8.2/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
41%
Teaching Staff
10:1 student-teacher ratio
15 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
35.9%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

300 W Garfield, Laurens, IA 50554

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Laurens-marathon Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Albert City-Truesdale Elementary School (rated 8.4/10, 7.0 miles away, in nearby Albert City), which scores notably higher. Another option is West Elementary School (rated 7.8/10, 19.9 miles away, in nearby Emmetsburg), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Sioux Central Elementary School (rated 7.3/10, 15.2 miles away, in nearby Sioux Rapids), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Laurens, see our Laurens schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 22.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Albert City-Truesdale Elementary School Albert City 7.0 mi 8.4
Pocahontas Area Middle/ High School Pocahontas 12.2 mi 5.7
Pocahontas Area Elementary School Pocahontas 12.3 mi 6.8
Pocahontas Area Regional Learning Center Pocahontas 12.3 mi
Ruthven-Ayrshire Elementary School Ruthven 19.5 mi 3.4
Ruthven-Ayrshire High School Ruthven 19.5 mi 5.3
Newell-Fonda Middle Sch. Newell 18.6 mi 5.8
Newell-Fonda Elementary Newell 18.6 mi 6.2
Newell-Fonda High School Newell 18.6 mi 5.7
Sioux Central Middle School Sioux Rapids 15.2 mi 6.6
Sioux Central Elementary School Sioux Rapids 15.2 mi 7.3
Sioux Central High School Sioux Rapids 15.2 mi 6.3
EMMETSBURG CATHOLIC SCHOOL Emmetsburg 19.3 mi 7.3
Emmetsburg High School Emmetsburg 20.0 mi 5.4
Emmetsburg Middle School Emmetsburg 20.0 mi 8.2
West Elementary School Emmetsburg 19.9 mi 7.8
Graettinger-Terril High School Graettinger 27.0 mi 5.3
Graettinger-Terril Middle School Graettinger 27.0 mi 4.5
East Early Childhood Ctr Storm Lake 22.4 mi 5.2
St Lake/IA Cntrl/Buena Vista Early College HS Storm Lake 22.4 mi 3.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50554 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$63,618

Median Home Value

$85,600

Median Rent

$738/mo

Population

1,639

College Educated

17.8%

Homeownership

74.4%

Avg Commute

19.6 min

Poverty Rate

10%

Median Age

44.5

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Madison Elementary School Cedar Rapids, IA 4.8
SETON CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PEOSTA CENTER Peosta, IA 4.8
Little Husky Learning Center Oelwein, IA 4.7
Seymour Elementary School Seymour, IA 4.7
Keystone Elementary School Keystone, IA 4.9
Twin Cedars Elementary School Bussey, IA 4.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Laurens-marathon Elementary School

What grades does Laurens-marathon Elementary School serve?

Laurens-marathon Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.

How many students attend Laurens-marathon Elementary School?

Laurens-marathon Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 145 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Laurens-marathon Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Laurens-marathon Elementary School is 9.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Laurens-marathon Elementary School rank in IA?

Laurens-marathon Elementary School ranks #1,028 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Laurens-marathon Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Laurens-marathon Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 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 Laurens-marathon Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Laurens-marathon Elementary School has 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Laurens-marathon Elementary School a charter school?

No, Laurens-marathon Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Laurens-marathon Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Laurens-marathon Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Laurens-marathon Elementary School?

41.4% of students at Laurens-marathon Elementary 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
44 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
41 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
145
Student-Teacher Ratio
9.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
15
Free/Reduced Lunch
41.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Pocahontas County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
35.9%

District

Laurens-Marathon Comm School District
District Enrollment
145
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,164
District Rank
#1 of 1

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.