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Very Good

#321 of 1,280 schools in IA

Top 25% in state

Nodaway Valley Middle School

Middle School · Nodaway Valley Comm School District

112 1st St, Fontanelle, IA 50846

Enrollment

135

Student-Teacher

19.3:1

Score

7.7

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#321 of 1,280

In district

#2 of 3

Nodaway Valley Comm School District

Equity

9.8 / 10

Excellent

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Nodaway Valley Middle School

7.7/10

Middle School in Fontanelle · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Nodaway Valley High School

6.5/10

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

Nodaway Valley Elementary School

8.0/10

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

About Nodaway Valley Middle School

Nodaway Valley Middle School is a public middle school in Fontanelle, IA, part of Nodaway Valley Comm School District. Nodaway Valley Middle School serves approximately 135 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 19.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Nodaway Valley Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.7 out of 10 and ranks #321 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Nodaway Valley Middle School show 75% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.0 pts above IA schools
  • This school 7.7 · Very Good
  • IA avg 6.7

What Parents Should Know

At 135 students, Nodaway Valley Middle 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.

Nodaway Valley Middle 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 Progress9.5Excellent40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change+0.34 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics9.2Excellent35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency79.4% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency86.5% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg+6.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+12.8 pts
Overall Proficiency83% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)67% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+16.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile88th
Resources & Environment2.9Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio19.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,118
Chronic Absenteeism21.5%

Nodaway Valley Middle School — Students at Nodaway Valley Middle School score 83% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 67%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

51.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 75.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
73.4% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 74.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
76.8% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 35 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
77%
ELA
67%
2010
Math
77%
ELA
77%
2011
Math
75%
ELA
66%
2012
Math
69%
ELA
65%
2013
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2014
Math
76%
ELA
74%
2015
Math
77%
ELA
73%
2016
Math
71%
ELA
70%
2017
Math
77%
ELA
77%
2018
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2019
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2020*
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2021*
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2022
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2025
Math
79.4%
ELA
86.5%

* 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: 9.5/10.

How Nodaway Valley Middle School Compares

See how Nodaway Valley Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.7/10
75th percentile in IA
Academic
9.2/10
Excellent
Growth
9.5/10
Excellent
Environment
2.9/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
52%
Teaching Staff
19:1 student-teacher ratio
7 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
21.5%

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

112 1st St, Fontanelle, IA 50846

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Nodaway Valley Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Creston Middle School (rated 8.0/10, 17.8 miles away, in nearby Creston), with a very similar rating. Another option is Adair-Casey Jr. High School (rated 7.9/10, 16.1 miles away, in nearby Adair), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Iowa Connections Academy Middle School (rated 2.9/10, 15.0 miles away, in nearby Anita), a more accessible option. For more schools in Fontanelle, see our Fontanelle schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 22.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Nodaway Valley High School Greenfield 5.5 mi 6.5
Nodaway Valley Elementary School Greenfield 5.6 mi 8.0
Orient Elementary School Orient 10.0 mi 4.8
Orient-Macksburg Senior High School Orient 10.0 mi 5.8
CAM Elementary School Massena 10.6 mi 6.4
Adair-Casey Elementary School Adair 16.1 mi 8.6
Adair-Casey Jr. High School Adair 16.1 mi 7.9
Iowa Connections Academy High School Anita 15.0 mi 2.4
Iowa Connections Academy Middle School Anita 15.0 mi 2.9
Iowa Connections Academy Elementary Anita 15.0 mi 2.7
CAM Jr./Sr. High School Anita 15.6 mi 4.7
Creston Middle School Creston 17.8 mi 8.0
Creston Elementary School Creston 17.8 mi 7.8
Creston High School Creston 18.1 mi 7.6
Creston Early Childhood Center Creston 18.6 mi 6.8
MAYFLOWER HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Creston 18.7 mi 6.3
ST MALACHY SCHOOL Creston 19.2 mi 5.1
Stuart Elementary School Stuart 19.9 mi 8.3
West Central Valley High School Stuart 20.3 mi 5.5
Corning Elementary School Corning 22.3 mi 8.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50846 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$73,333

Median Home Value

$85,400

Median Rent

$825/mo

Population

1,223

College Educated

24.6%

Homeownership

69.5%

Avg Commute

21.9 min

Poverty Rate

2.9%

Median Age

38.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Madrid Junior High School Madrid, IA 7.7
Southwest Valley Middle School Villisca, IA 7.7
Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Middle School Sanborn, IA 7.8
BLESSED MARIA ASSUNTA PALLOTTA MIDDLE SCHOOL Waterloo, IA 7.6
Adair-Casey Jr. High School Adair, IA 7.9
Alburnett Middle School Alburnett, IA 7.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Nodaway Valley Middle School

What grades does Nodaway Valley Middle School serve?

Nodaway Valley Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Nodaway Valley Middle School?

Nodaway Valley Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 135 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Nodaway Valley Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Nodaway Valley Middle School is 19.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Nodaway Valley Middle School rank in IA?

Nodaway Valley Middle School ranks #321 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Nodaway Valley Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Nodaway Valley Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.7 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 Nodaway Valley Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Nodaway Valley Middle School has 75% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Nodaway Valley Middle School a charter school?

No, Nodaway Valley Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Nodaway Valley Middle School a Title I school?

No, Nodaway Valley Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Nodaway Valley Middle School?

51.9% of students at Nodaway Valley Middle 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
15 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
26 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
135
Student-Teacher Ratio
19.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
7
Free/Reduced Lunch
51.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Adair County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
21.5%

District

Nodaway Valley Comm School District
District Enrollment
651
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,118
District Rank
#2 of 3

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