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
Enrollment
82
Student-Teacher
41:1
Score
2.4
Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
82
Student-Teacher
41:1
Score
2.4
Grades
7th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
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
High School in Mason City · grades 7th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Lincoln Intermediate
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Roosevelt Elementary School
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).
- 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
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Mason City Virtual Academy — Students at Mason City Virtual Academy score 41% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 70%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
46.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 7 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
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.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
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 miNeighborhood 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.
Neighborhood Context
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%
- Phone
- (641) 421-4401
Resources & Links
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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