Average
#822 of 1,280 schools in IA
North Iowa High School
High School · North Iowa Comm School District
111 3rd Ave NW, Buffalo Center, IA 50424
Enrollment
134
Student-Teacher
19.1:1
Score
5.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
134
Student-Teacher
19.1:1
Score
5.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Buffalo Center
#3 of 3
public schools
Iowa high schools
#184 of 334
In district
#3 of 3
North Iowa Comm School District
Academic growth
9.4 / 10
Exceptional
About North Iowa High School
North Iowa High School is a regular public high school located in the rural community of Buffalo Center, Winnebago County, Iowa. The school serves 9th through 12th graders with an enrollment of just 134 students and a student-teacher ratio of 19.1:1, thanks to seven full-time equivalent teachers on staff. North Iowa High School is situated in a remote rural setting where the community values its small-town feel and close-knit atmosphere.
While the school's MySchoolScout rating stands at 3.5 out of 10 and it ranks 14th percentile state-wide, there are still many strengths to highlight. In ELA/Reading, 67% of students meet or exceed proficiency standards, while in Math, 58% do so, and Science sees a strong showing with 71% proficient or above. The school has room for academic growth but continues to focus on student development and supports its rural community well.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 134 students, North Iowa High School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
While current test scores at North Iowa High School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Located in a rural area, North Iowa High School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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North Iowa High School — Students at North Iowa High School score 52% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 65%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
45.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 13 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.4/10.
How North Iowa High School Compares
See how North Iowa High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 54.5% (2019) to 42% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 64.5% (2019) to 62% (2022).
Location
111 3rd Ave NW, Buffalo Center, IA 50424
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering North Iowa High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. West Hancock High School (rated 8.3/10, 21.5 miles away, in nearby Britt), which scores notably higher. Another option is Forest City High School (rated 8.2/10, 17.3 miles away, in nearby Forest City), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Blue Earth Area Secondary (rated 6.1/10, 19.5 miles away, in nearby Blue Earth), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Buffalo Center, see our Buffalo Center schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 21.0 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50424 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$58,125
Median Home Value
$109,200
Median Rent
$643/mo
Population
1,590
College Educated
25.4%
Homeownership
72.3%
Avg Commute
19.3 min
Poverty Rate
7.2%
Median Age
51.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding North Iowa High School has a median household income of $58,125. It is an area where 25% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $109,200, with a median rent of $643/month. The local poverty rate of 7.2% is relatively low. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Lynnville-Sully High School Sully, IA | 5.9 |
| Murray Jr/Sr High Murray, IA | 5.9 |
| Woodward Academy Woodward, IA | 5.9 |
| Kingsley-Pierson High School Kingsley, IA | 5.8 |
| Alternative School Mason City, IA | 6.1 |
| East Buchanan High School Winthrop, IA | 6.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about North Iowa High School
What grades does North Iowa High School serve?
North Iowa High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend North Iowa High School?
North Iowa High School has an enrollment of approximately 134 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at North Iowa High School?
The student-teacher ratio at North Iowa High School is 19.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does North Iowa High School rank in IA?
North Iowa High School is ranked #822 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is North Iowa High School's MySchoolScout rating?
North Iowa High School has a composite rating of 5.9 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at North Iowa High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, North Iowa High School has 58.2% math proficiency and 66.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is North Iowa High School a charter school?
No, North Iowa High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is North Iowa High School a Title I school?
No, North Iowa High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for North Iowa High School?
45.5% of students at North Iowa 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.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 134
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 7
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 45.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Winnebago County
- Phone
- (641) 562-2525
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
North Iowa Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 465
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,962
- District Rank
- #3 of 3
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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