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Very Good

#402 of 1,280 schools in IA

Top 31% in state

Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School

High School · Martensdale-St Marys Comm School District

PO BOX 350 390 Burlington, Martensdale, IA 50160

Enrollment

239

Student-Teacher

13.3:1

Score

7.4

Grades

7th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#402 of 1,280

In Martensdale

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 2

Martensdale-St Marys Comm School District

Academic performance

7.5 / 10

Very Good

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Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School

7.4/10

High School in Martensdale · grades 7th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Martensdale Elementary School

8.1/10

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

Orchard Hills Elementary

8.5/10

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

About Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School

Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School is a public high school in Martensdale, IA, part of Martensdale-St Marys Comm School District. Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School serves approximately 239 students, and covers grades 7th-12th, and has a 13.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.4 out of 10 and ranks #402 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School show 75% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 76% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.4 pts above IA schools
  • This school 7.4 · Very Good
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress7.2Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-0.51 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics7.5Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency77.2% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency85.8% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg+4.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+10 pts
Overall Proficiency81% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)81% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+0.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile63th
College Readiness9.1Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.9Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,752
Chronic Absenteeism29.7%

Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School — Students at Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School score 81% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 81%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

24.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 74.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
69.9% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 75.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
75.9% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 40 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2010
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
77%
ELA
67%
2012
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2013
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2014
Math
92%
ELA
82%
2015
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2016
Math
82%
ELA
62%
2017
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2018
Math
72%
ELA
67%
2019
Math
72%
ELA
67%
2020*
Math
57%
ELA
72%
2021*
Math
57%
ELA
72%
2022
Math
52%
ELA
70%
2025
Math
77.2%
ELA
85.8%

* 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: 7.2/10.

How Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School Compares

See how Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.4/10
69th percentile in IA
Academic
7.5/10
Very Good
Growth
7.2/10
Very Good
Environment
4.9/10
Below Average
Sports
8
4 boys' · 4 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
25%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
18 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
29.7%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics8sports offered
4 boys'·4 girls'·16 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
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

PO BOX 350 390 Burlington, Martensdale, IA 50160

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Orchard Hills Elementary (rated 8.5/10, 7.1 miles away, in nearby Norwalk), which scores notably higher. Another option is Irving Elementary School (rated 8.3/10, 8.9 miles away, in nearby Indianola), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Martensdale Elementary School (rated 8.1/10), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Martensdale, see our Martensdale schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Martensdale Elementary School Martensdale 0.0 mi 8.1
Orchard Hills Elementary Norwalk 7.1 mi 8.5
NORWALK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Norwalk 7.4 mi
Oviatt Elementary School Norwalk 7.4 mi 6.5
MAIN STREET SCHOOL Norwalk 7.7 mi
Norwalk Middle School Norwalk 7.6 mi 6.1
Norwalk Senior High School Norwalk 7.7 mi 5.8
Lakewood Elementary School Norwalk 9.0 mi 6.7
Wilder Elementary School Indianola 7.6 mi 6.0
Whittier Elementary School Indianola 8.3 mi 5.5
Irving Elementary School Indianola 8.9 mi 8.3
VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Indianola 9.3 mi 3.9
Morris Elementary School Des Moines 11.7 mi 4.2
McCombs Middle School Des Moines 11.5 mi 4.9
Jordan Creek Elementary School West Des Moines 12.8 mi 6.2
Valley Southwoods West Des Moines 13.0 mi 5.7
Studebaker Elementary School Des Moines 11.6 mi 3.1
Emerson Elementary School Indianola 9.9 mi 6.9
Learning Resource Center West Des Moines 13.2 mi
Interstate 35 Elementary School Truro 12.6 mi 7.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50160 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$53,750

Median Home Value

$176,400

Median Rent

$863/mo

Population

588

College Educated

16.8%

Homeownership

75.8%

Avg Commute

28.4 min

Poverty Rate

11.4%

Median Age

29

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Camanche High School Camanche, IA 7.4
Dunkerton High School Dunkerton, IA 7.4
MMCRU High School Marcus, IA 7.4
South Central Calhoun High School Lake City, IA 7.4
Tripoli Middle/Sr High School Tripoli, IA 7.4
Van Meter High School Van Meter, IA 7.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School

What grades does Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School serve?

Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.

How many students attend Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School?

Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School has an enrollment of approximately 239 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School is 13.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School rank in IA?

Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School ranks #402 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.4 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 Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School has 75% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 76% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School a charter school?

No, Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School a Title I school?

No, Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High School?

24.7% of students at Martensdale-st Marys Jr-sr High 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
19 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
31 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
239
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
18
Free/Reduced Lunch
24.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Warren County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
29.7%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

Martensdale-St Marys Comm School District
District Enrollment
555
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,752
District Rank
#2 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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