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Below Average

#1067 of 1,280 schools in IA

Northstar Elementary School

Elementary School · Knoxville Comm School District

407 W Larson, Knoxville, IA 50138

Enrollment

342

Student-Teacher

14.9:1

Score

4.6

Grades

3rd – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,067 of 1,280

In Knoxville

#4 of 4

public schools

In district

#4 of 4

Knoxville Comm School District

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Northstar Elementary School

4.6/10

Elementary School in Knoxville · grades 3rd – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

West Elementary

6.1/10

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

Knoxville Middle School

6.1/10

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

About Northstar Elementary School

Northstar Elementary School is a public elementary school in Knoxville, IA, part of Knoxville Comm School District. Northstar Elementary School serves approximately 342 students, and covers grades 3rd-5th, and has a 14.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Northstar Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 out of 10 and ranks #1,067 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Northstar Elementary School show 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2025) and 66% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2025).

How it compares0.8 pts below district
  • This school 4.6 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.3
  • IA avg 6.5

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.3Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-1.5 pts/yr
Data Period2011–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.9Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency75% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency62.6% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-1.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-6.5 pts
Overall Proficiency69% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)66% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+2.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile42th
Resources & Environment5.7Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,254
Chronic Absenteeism21.3%

Northstar Elementary School — Students at Northstar Elementary School score 69% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 66%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

52.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 70.7% (multi-year average, 2011-2025)
School
State
74.6% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 66.1% (multi-year average, 2011-2025)
School
State
72.3% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 31 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2011
Math
80%
ELA
77%
2012
Math
81%
ELA
79%
2013
Math
79%
ELA
79%
2014
Math
68%
ELA
73%
2015
Math
72%
ELA
76%
2016
Math
72%
ELA
73%
2017
Math
72%
ELA
74%
2018
Math
68%
ELA
57%
2019
Math
68%
ELA
57%
2020*
Math
58%
ELA
50%
2021*
Math
58%
ELA
50%
2022
Math
59%
ELA
58%
2025
Math
75%
ELA
62.6%

* 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: 3.3/10.

How Northstar Elementary School Compares

See how Northstar Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.6/10
17th percentile in IA
Academic
5.9/10
Average
Growth
3.3/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
5.7/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
53%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
23 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
21.3%

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

407 W Larson, Knoxville, IA 50138

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Northstar Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. PELLA CHRISTIAN GRADE SCHOOL (rated 7.2/10, 11.3 miles away, in nearby Pella), which scores notably higher. Another option is Madison Elementary School (rated 7.1/10, 11.9 miles away, in nearby Pella), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Pleasantville Elementary (rated 7.0/10, 9.8 miles away, in nearby Pleasantville), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Knoxville, see our Knoxville schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 19.5 mi
School Distance Rating
West Elementary Knoxville 1.1 mi 6.1
Knoxville Middle School Knoxville 1.2 mi 6.1
Knoxville High School Knoxville 1.3 mi 5.2
Melcher-Dallas Elementary Dallas 9.6 mi 3.2
Melcher-Dallas High School Melcher 10.4 mi 5.2
Pleasantville High School Pleasantville 9.8 mi 6.3
Pleasantville Middle School Pleasantville 9.8 mi 6.9
Pleasantville Elementary Pleasantville 9.8 mi 7.0
PCM High School Monroe 12.9 mi 5.8
Monroe Elementary School Monroe 13.5 mi 4.0
Lincoln Elementary School Pella 11.1 mi 6.9
Twin Cedars Jr-Sr High School Bussey 11.9 mi 5.7
PELLA CHRISTIAN GRADE SCHOOL Pella 11.3 mi 7.2
Twin Cedars Elementary School Bussey 12.0 mi 4.9
Pella High School Pella 11.5 mi 7.2
Jefferson Intermediate Pella 11.7 mi 7.7
Pella Middle School Pella 11.7 mi 8.2
Madison Elementary School Pella 11.9 mi 7.1
PELLA CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Pella 11.9 mi 5.7
PCM Middle School Prairie City 19.5 mi 7.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50138 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$76,887

Median Home Value

$169,900

Median Rent

$815/mo

Population

11,374

College Educated

28.4%

Homeownership

79.8%

Avg Commute

22.3 min

Poverty Rate

8.7%

Median Age

42.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Arthur Elementary School Cedar Rapids, IA 4.6
Carter Lake Elementary School Carter Lake, IA 4.6
Gilbert Intermediate School Gilbert, IA 4.6
Hanawalt Elementary Des Moines, IA 4.6
Howe Elementary Des Moines, IA 4.6
Monroe Elementary School Des Moines, IA 4.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Northstar Elementary School

What grades does Northstar Elementary School serve?

Northstar Elementary School serves students in grades 3rd through 5th.

How many students attend Northstar Elementary School?

Northstar Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 342 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Northstar Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Northstar Elementary School is 14.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Northstar Elementary School rank in IA?

Northstar Elementary School ranks #1,067 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Northstar Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Northstar Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 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 Northstar Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Northstar Elementary School has 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2025) and 66% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2025).

Is Northstar Elementary School a charter school?

No, Northstar Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Northstar Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Northstar Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Northstar Elementary School?

52.6% of students at Northstar Elementary 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
41 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
40 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
3rd – 5th
Enrollment
342
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
23
Free/Reduced Lunch
52.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Town
County
Marion County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
21.3%

District

Knoxville Comm School District
District Enrollment
1,659
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,254
District Rank
#4 of 4

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