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Average

#833 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

5.7

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#833 of 1,280

In Buffalo Center

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

North Iowa Comm School District

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North Iowa High School

5.7/10

High School in Buffalo Center · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

North Iowa Elementary Buffalo Center

7.9/10

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

North Iowa Middle School

9.0/10

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

About North Iowa High School

North Iowa High School is a public high school in Buffalo Center, IA, part of North Iowa Comm School District. North Iowa High School serves approximately 134 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 19.1:1 student-teacher ratio. North Iowa High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 out of 10 and ranks #833 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for North Iowa High School show 64% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.3 pts below IA schools
  • This school 5.7 · Average
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

At 134 students, North Iowa High 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.

North Iowa 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.

36% of students at North Iowa 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 Progress4.7Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.08 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics6.2Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency70.3% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency74% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg+3.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-3.1 pts
Overall Proficiency72% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)70% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+2.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile46th
College Readiness8.1Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate80%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio19.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,962
Chronic Absenteeism35.8%

North Iowa High School — Students at North Iowa High School score 72% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 70%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

45.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 64.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
67.3% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 68.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
74.2% (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
64.5%
ELA
74.5%
2010
Math
64.5%
ELA
64.5%
2011
Math
84.5%
ELA
74.5%
2012
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2013
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2014
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2015
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2016
Math
69.5%
ELA
69.5%
2017
Math
64.5%
ELA
64.5%
2018
Math
54.5%
ELA
64.5%
2019
Math
54.5%
ELA
64.5%
2020*
Math
42%
ELA
52%
2021*
Math
42%
ELA
52%
2022
Math
42%
ELA
62%
2025
Math
70.3%
ELA
74%

* 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: 4.7/10.

How North Iowa High School Compares

See how North Iowa High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.7/10
35th percentile in IA
Academic
6.2/10
Average
Growth
4.7/10
Below Average
Environment
2.5/10
Needs Improvement
Sports
15
8 boys' · 7 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
46%
Teaching Staff
19:1 student-teacher ratio
7 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
35.8%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics15sports offered
8 boys'·7 girls'·20 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 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

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 8.9/10, 21.5 miles away, in nearby Britt), which scores notably higher. Another option is Forest City High School (rated 7.6/10, 17.3 miles away, in nearby Forest City), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Blue Earth Area Secondary (rated 6.5/10, 19.5 miles away, in nearby Blue Earth), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Buffalo Center, see our Buffalo Center schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 21.0 mi
School Distance Rating
North Iowa Elementary Buffalo Center Buffalo Center 0.0 mi 7.9
North Iowa Middle School Buffalo Center 0.0 mi 9.0
Blue Earth Area Early Childhood Spe Blue Earth 18.9 mi
BLUE EARTH AREA MIDDLE Blue Earth 18.9 mi 6.1
Blue Earth Area Elementary Blue Earth 18.9 mi 4.4
Blue Earth Area Secondary Blue Earth 19.5 mi 6.5
Forest City Elementary School Forest City 17.1 mi 6.9
Forest City High School Forest City 17.3 mi 7.6
Forest City Middle School Forest City 17.3 mi 8.8
West Hancock High School Britt 21.5 mi 8.9
West Hancock Elementary School Britt 21.6 mi 8.5
SCARVILLE LUTHERAN SCHOOL Scarville 17.5 mi
North Kossuth Elementary School Swea City 18.3 mi 9.3
North Union Middle School Swea City 18.3 mi 8.6
UNITED SOUTH CENTRAL ELEMENTARY Wells 26.1 mi 8.2
UNITED SOUTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Wells 26.1 mi 6.0
BISHOP GARRIGAN CAMPUS Algona 25.2 mi 6.7
ST CASIMIR'S SCHOOL Wells 26.7 mi
Bertha Godfrey Elementary School Algona 25.9 mi 4.4
Lake Mills Elementary School Lake Mills 21.0 mi 9.0

Neighborhood 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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Newell-Fonda High School Newell, IA 5.7
Twin Cedars Jr-Sr High School Bussey, IA 5.7
West Central Charter High School Maynard, IA 5.8
Mormon Trail Jr-Sr High School Humeston, IA 5.5
Murray Jr/Sr High Murray, IA 5.9
Seymour High School Seymour, IA 5.5

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 ranks #833 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is North Iowa High School's MySchoolScout rating?

North Iowa High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 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 North Iowa High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, North Iowa High School has 64% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
34 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
50 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
35.8%
4-Year Graduation
80%+

District

North Iowa Comm School District
District Enrollment
465
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,962
District Rank
#3 of 3

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