Skip to main content

Below Average

#1115 of 1,280 schools in IA

North Cedar Jr/sr High School

High School · North Cedar Comm School District

PO BOX 310 400 Ball Street, Clarence, IA 52216

Enrollment

273

Student-Teacher

10.1:1

Score

4.2

Grades

7th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,115 of 1,280

In district

#3 of 3

North Cedar Comm School District

School environment

8.1 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around North Cedar Jr/sr High School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

North Cedar Jr/sr High School

4.2/10

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

Tipton High School

3.8/10

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

North Cedar Lowden Elementary Center

8.3/10

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

About North Cedar Jr/sr High School

North Cedar Jr/sr High School is a public high school in Clarence, IA, part of North Cedar Comm School District. North Cedar Jr/sr High School serves approximately 273 students, and covers grades 7th-12th, and has a 10.1:1 student-teacher ratio. North Cedar Jr/sr High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,115 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for North Cedar Jr/sr High School show 69% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.8 pts below IA schools
  • This school 4.2 · Below Average
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

North Cedar 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.

39% of students at North Cedar Jr/sr High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.0Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.58 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.1Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency53% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency65.5% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-19.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-10.3 pts
Overall Proficiency59% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)71% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-12.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile13th
College Readiness3.6Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate84.5%
AP Participation5.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.1Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio10.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,697
Chronic Absenteeism38.5%

North Cedar Jr/sr High School — Students at North Cedar Jr/sr High School score 59% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 71%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

42.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 69.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
69.9% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 71.9% (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

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
95%
ELA
84.5%
2010
Math
84.5%
ELA
74.5%
2011
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2012
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2013
Math
82%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
77%
ELA
67%
2015
Math
77%
ELA
67%
2016
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2017
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2018
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2019
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2020*
Math
60%
ELA
71%
2021*
Math
60%
ELA
71%
2022
Math
65%
ELA
74%
2025
Math
53%
ELA
65.5%

* 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: 3.0/10.

How North Cedar Jr/sr High School Compares

See how North Cedar Jr/sr High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.2/10
13th percentile in IA
Academic
3.1/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
3.0/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
8.1/10
Excellent
AP Courses
1
State avg: 1.7
Sports
16
8 boys' · 8 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
43%
Teaching Staff
10:1 student-teacher ratio
27 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
38.5%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
5.5% participation·State avg: 1.7 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics16sports offered
8 boys'·8 girls'·22 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 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 310 400 Ball Street, Clarence, IA 52216

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering North Cedar Jr/sr High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Calamus-Wheatland Sec Attendance Center (rated 7.7/10, 11.8 miles away, in nearby Wheatland), which scores notably higher. Another option is Wilton Jr-Sr High School (rated 6.6/10, 20.1 miles away, in nearby Wilton), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Midland Middle/High School (rated 5.7/10, 12.5 miles away, in nearby Wyoming), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Clarence, see our Clarence schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 17.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Tipton High School Tipton 8.5 mi 3.8
North Cedar Lowden Elementary Center Lowden 6.9 mi 8.3
Olin Elementary School Olin 8.6 mi 4.9
Tipton Elementary School Tipton 8.8 mi 4.7
Tipton Middle School Tipton 8.9 mi 6.5
Midland Elementary Oxford Junction 9.0 mi 8.3
Bennett Elementary School Bennett 10.8 mi 5.2
Midland Middle/High School Wyoming 12.5 mi 5.7
North Cedar Mechanicsville Elem Ctr Mechanicsville 9.9 mi 8.2
Calamus-Wheatland Sec Attendance Center Wheatland 11.8 mi 7.7
Wilton Elementary School Wilton 20.1 mi 6.3
Wilton Jr-Sr High School Wilton 20.1 mi 6.6
Calamus-Wheatland Elem Attendance Center Calamus 16.0 mi 6.4
Strawberry Hill Anamosa 18.8 mi 5.6
Anamosa High School Anamosa 19.0 mi 4.5
Anamosa Middle School Anamosa 19.4 mi 6.3
Durant Elementary School Durant 20.8 mi 6.4
Durant Junior/Senior High School Durant 20.8 mi 4.4
ST PATRICK SCHOOL Anamosa 19.5 mi 6.2
Lisbon Elementary School Lisbon 17.1 mi 8.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 52216 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$66,375

Median Home Value

$165,400

Median Rent

$878/mo

Population

1,513

College Educated

14.1%

Homeownership

65.8%

Avg Commute

29.4 min

Poverty Rate

13.9%

Median Age

43

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Okoboji High School Milford, IA 4.1
Durant Junior/Senior High School Durant, IA 4.4
Southwest Valley High school Corning, IA 4.0
West Liberty High School West Liberty, IA 4.0
Eagle Grove High School Eagle Grove, IA 4.6
Estherville Lincoln Central High School Estherville, IA 4.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about North Cedar Jr/sr High School

What grades does North Cedar Jr/sr High School serve?

North Cedar Jr/sr High School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.

How many students attend North Cedar Jr/sr High School?

North Cedar Jr/sr High School has an enrollment of approximately 273 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at North Cedar Jr/sr High School?

The student-teacher ratio at North Cedar Jr/sr High School is 10.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does North Cedar Jr/sr High School rank in IA?

North Cedar Jr/sr High School ranks #1,115 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is North Cedar Jr/sr High School's MySchoolScout rating?

North Cedar Jr/sr High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 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 North Cedar Jr/sr High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, North Cedar Jr/sr High School has 69% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is North Cedar Jr/sr High School a charter school?

No, North Cedar Jr/sr High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is North Cedar Jr/sr High School a Title I school?

No, North Cedar Jr/sr High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for North Cedar Jr/sr High School?

42.9% of students at North Cedar 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
31 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
37 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
273
Student-Teacher Ratio
10.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
27
Free/Reduced Lunch
42.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Cedar County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
38.5%
4-Year Graduation
84.5%

District

North Cedar Comm School District
District Enrollment
591
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,697
District Rank
#3 of 3

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.