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Needs Improvement

#1269 of 1,280 schools in IA

Mason City Virtual Academy

High School · Mason City Comm School District

1515 S PENNSYLVANIA AVE, Mason City, IA 50401

Virtual

Enrollment

82

Student-Teacher

41:1

Score

2.4

Grades

7th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,269 of 1,280

In Mason City

#8 of 9

public schools

In district

#8 of 9

Mason City Comm School District

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Mason City Virtual Academy

2.4/10

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

Lincoln Intermediate

6.6/10

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

Roosevelt Elementary School

6.4/10

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

About Mason City Virtual Academy

Mason City Virtual Academy is a public high school in Mason City, IA, part of Mason City Comm School District. Mason City Virtual Academy serves approximately 82 students, and covers grades 7th-12th, and has a 41:1 student-teacher ratio. Mason City Virtual Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.4 out of 10 and ranks #1,269 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Mason City Virtual Academy show 30% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025).

How it compares0.4 pts below district
  • This school 2.4 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 2.8
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

At 82 students, Mason City Virtual Academy 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.

Mason City Virtual Academy runs 41:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Mason City Virtual Academy is a virtual school, so instruction happens mostly online. That flexibility suits some kids and frustrates others; it asks a lot of self-discipline and a steady setup at home. Think about whether your child learns well on their own, and ask how the school keeps students engaged.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.5Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-1.13 pts/yr
Data Period2022–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics1.6Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency28.6% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency53.6% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-40.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-21.8 pts
Overall Proficiency41% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)70% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-28.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile2th
College Readiness2.2Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.3Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio41:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,155
Chronic Absenteeism29.3%

Mason City Virtual Academy — Students at Mason City Virtual Academy score 41% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 70%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

46.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 29.7% (multi-year average, 2022-2025)
School
State
67.8% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 54.7% (multi-year average, 2022-2025)
School
State
72.8% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 7 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2022
Math
32%
ELA
57%
2025
Math
28.6%
ELA
53.6%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.5/10.

How Mason City Virtual Academy Compares

See how Mason City Virtual Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
2.4/10
1th percentile in IA
Academic
1.6/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
4.5/10
Below Average
Environment
1.3/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
46%
Teaching Staff
41:1 student-teacher ratio
2 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
29.3%

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses3 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

1515 S PENNSYLVANIA AVE, Mason City, IA 50401

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Mason City Virtual Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Clear Lake High School (rated 8.8/10, 8.5 miles away, in nearby Clear Lake), which scores notably higher. Another option is Central Springs High School (rated 6.9/10, 10.3 miles away, in nearby Manly), which scores notably higher. Additionally, West Fork High School (rated 5.8/10, 16.5 miles away, in nearby Sheffield), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Mason City, see our Mason City schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 16.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Lincoln Intermediate Mason City 0.1 mi 6.6
Roosevelt Elementary School Mason City 0.1 mi 6.4
NORTH IOWA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Mason City 0.9 mi 5.6
Jefferson Elementary School Mason City 1.4 mi 8.6
Hoover Elementary School Mason City 1.8 mi 4.9
John Adams Middle School Mason City 1.7 mi 5.2
Harding Elementary School Mason City 2.1 mi 6.8
Mason City High School Mason City 1.8 mi 3.7
Alternative School Mason City 1.9 mi 2.2
NEWMAN CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Mason City 2.0 mi 6.0
NEWMAN CATHOLIC Mason City 2.0 mi 5.4
Central Springs Elementary Manly Campus Manly 10.3 mi 6.3
Central Springs High School Manly 10.3 mi 6.9
West Fork Elementary at Rockwell Rockwell 10.6 mi 5.2
Clear Lake High School Clear Lake 8.5 mi 8.8
Clear Lake Middle School Clear Lake 8.6 mi 7.4
Clear Creek Elementary School Clear Lake 8.8 mi 7.3
Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs Nora Springs 9.8 mi 7.1
Central Springs Middle School Nora Springs 9.8 mi 6.2
West Fork High School Sheffield 16.5 mi 5.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50401 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$63,807

Median Home Value

$134,100

Median Rent

$868/mo

Population

28,818

College Educated

21.9%

Homeownership

68.2%

Avg Commute

13.9 min

Poverty Rate

10%

Median Age

42.5

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Alternative School Mason City, IA 2.2
St Lake/IA Cntrl/Buena Vista Early College HS Storm Lake, IA 3.1
Marshalltown Virtual Academy Marshalltown, IA 1.6
Woodward Academy Woodward, IA 3.2
Lamoni High School Lamoni, IA 3.9
Hamburg Charter High Schools Hamburg, IA

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Mason City Virtual Academy

What grades does Mason City Virtual Academy serve?

Mason City Virtual Academy serves students in grades 7th through 12th.

How many students attend Mason City Virtual Academy?

Mason City Virtual Academy has an enrollment of approximately 82 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Mason City Virtual Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Mason City Virtual Academy is 41:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Mason City Virtual Academy rank in IA?

Mason City Virtual Academy ranks #1,269 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Mason City Virtual Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Mason City Virtual Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.4 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 Mason City Virtual Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Mason City Virtual Academy has 30% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025).

Is Mason City Virtual Academy a charter school?

No, Mason City Virtual Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Mason City Virtual Academy a Title I school?

No, Mason City Virtual Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Mason City Virtual Academy?

46.3% of students at Mason City Virtual Academy 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
40 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
21 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
51 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
82
Student-Teacher Ratio
41:1
Teachers (FTE)
2
Free/Reduced Lunch
46.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Town
County
Cerro Gordo County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
29.3%

District

Mason City Comm School District
District Enrollment
3,509
Schools in District
9
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,155
District Rank
#8 of 9

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