Needs Improvement
#1209 of 1,280 schools in IA
Melcher-dallas Elementary
Elementary School · Melcher-Dallas Comm School District
PO BOX 489 1003 E Park St, Dallas, IA 50062
Enrollment
156
Student-Teacher
15.6:1
Score
3.2
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
156
Student-Teacher
15.6:1
Score
3.2
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#1,209 of 1,280
In district
#2 of 2
Melcher-Dallas Comm School District
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Melcher-dallas Elementary
Elementary School in Dallas · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Melcher-dallas High School
0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Knoxville High School
8.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Melcher-dallas Elementary
Melcher-dallas Elementary is a public elementary school in Dallas, IA, part of Melcher-Dallas Comm School District. Melcher-dallas Elementary serves approximately 156 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 15.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Melcher-dallas Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,209 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for Melcher-dallas Elementary show 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 70% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 3.2 · Needs Improvement
- IA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
At 156 students, Melcher-dallas Elementary 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.
Melcher-dallas Elementary 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Melcher-dallas Elementary — Students at Melcher-dallas Elementary score 62% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 78%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
30.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 37 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 Melcher-dallas Elementary Compares
See how Melcher-dallas Elementary 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
PO BOX 489 1003 E Park St, Dallas, IA 50062
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Melcher-dallas Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Runnells Elementary (rated 8.1/10, 20.7 miles away, in nearby Runnels), which scores notably higher. Another option is Southeast Warren Primary (rated 7.3/10, 11.5 miles away, in nearby Milo), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Pleasantville Elementary (rated 7.0/10, 10.8 miles away, in nearby Pleasantville), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Dallas, see our Dallas schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 20.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Melcher-Dallas High School Melcher | 0.9 mi | 5.2 |
| Knoxville High School Knoxville | 8.3 mi | 5.2 |
| Knoxville Middle School Knoxville | 8.3 mi | 6.1 |
| West Elementary Knoxville | 8.5 mi | 6.1 |
| Southeast Warren Intermediate Lacona | 8.1 mi | 5.1 |
| Pleasantville High School Pleasantville | 10.7 mi | 6.3 |
| Pleasantville Middle School Pleasantville | 10.7 mi | 6.9 |
| Pleasantville Elementary Pleasantville | 10.8 mi | 7.0 |
| Northstar Elementary School Knoxville | 9.6 mi | 4.6 |
| Southeast Warren Primary Milo | 11.5 mi | 7.3 |
| Chariton Middle School Chariton | 14.7 mi | 7.5 |
| Van Allen Elementary School Chariton | 15.1 mi | 4.8 |
| Chariton High School Chariton | 15.3 mi | 6.5 |
| Columbus Elementary School Chariton | 15.8 mi | 5.8 |
| Southeast Warren Jr-Sr High School Liberty Center | 13.6 mi | 8.4 |
| Hartford Upper Elementary Carlisle | 18.0 mi | 6.3 |
| Twin Cedars Jr-Sr High School Bussey | 16.1 mi | 5.7 |
| Runnells Elementary Runnels | 20.7 mi | 8.1 |
| Twin Cedars Elementary School Bussey | 16.2 mi | 4.9 |
| PCM High School Monroe | 20.7 mi | 5.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50062 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$70,714
Median Home Value
$163,100
Population
833
College Educated
17.8%
Homeownership
84.6%
Poverty Rate
13.2%
Median Age
31.8
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Briggs Elementary School Maquoketa, IA | 3.2 |
| Harlan Elementary School Mount Pleasant, IA | 3.3 |
| Harris-Lake Park Elementary School Lake Park, IA | 3.4 |
| Moulton Elementary School Moulton, IA | 3.4 |
| Garfield Elementary School Cedar Rapids, IA | 2.7 |
| Iowa Connections Academy Elementary Anita, IA | 2.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Melcher-dallas Elementary
What grades does Melcher-dallas Elementary serve?
Melcher-dallas Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Melcher-dallas Elementary?
Melcher-dallas Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 156 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Melcher-dallas Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Melcher-dallas Elementary is 15.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Melcher-dallas Elementary rank in IA?
Melcher-dallas Elementary ranks #1,209 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Melcher-dallas Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Melcher-dallas Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 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 Melcher-dallas Elementary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Melcher-dallas Elementary has 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 70% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Melcher-dallas Elementary a charter school?
No, Melcher-dallas Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Melcher-dallas Elementary a Title I school?
No, Melcher-dallas Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Melcher-dallas Elementary?
30.1% of students at Melcher-dallas Elementary 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
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 156
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 10
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 30.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Marion County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 17.3%
- Phone
- (641) 947-3151
Resources & Links
District
Melcher-Dallas Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 301
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,042
- District Rank
- #2 of 2
Other Schools in This District
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