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Average

#894 of 1,280 schools in IA

Northwest High School

High School · Waukee Comm School District

655 NW 10th ST, Waukee, IA 50263

Enrollment

1,524

Student-Teacher

21.2:1

Score

5.5

Grades

10th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#894 of 1,280

In Waukee

#6 of 11

public schools

In district

#12 of 17

Waukee Comm School District

Academic growth

10.0 / 10

Excellent

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Northwest High School

5.5/10

High School in Waukee · grades 10th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Vince Meyer Early Learning Center

3.4/10

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

Waukee Elementary School

8.4/10

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

About Northwest High School

Northwest High School is a public high school in Waukee, IA, part of Waukee Comm School District. Northwest High School serves approximately 1,524 students, and covers grades 10th-12th, and has a 21.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Northwest High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 and ranks #894 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Northwest High School show 77% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025) and 81% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025).

How it compares0.5 pts above district
  • This school 5.5 · Average
  • District avg 5.0
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

Northwest High School runs 21.2:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Northwest 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress10.0Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change+2.88 pts/yr
Data Period2022–2025
TrendImproving
Academics6.8Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency80.6% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency82.7% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg+11.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+7.2 pts
Overall Proficiency82% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)87% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-5.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile54th
College Readiness2.9Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation23.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.2Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,927
Chronic Absenteeism23.7%

Northwest High School — Students at Northwest High School score 82% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 87%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

13.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 76.7% (multi-year average, 2022-2025)
School
State
67.8% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 80.8% (multi-year average, 2022-2025)
School
State
72.8% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 7 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2022
Math
69%
ELA
77%
2025
Math
80.6%
ELA
82.7%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 10.0/10.

How Northwest High School Compares

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

Overall Score
5.5/10
30th percentile in IA
Academic
6.8/10
Average
Growth
10.0/10
Excellent
Environment
2.2/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 1.7
Sports
21
9 boys' · 12 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
14%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
72 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
23.7%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
23.8% participation·State avg: 1.7 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics21sports offered
9 boys'·12 girls'·58 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

655 NW 10th ST, Waukee, IA 50263

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Northwest High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Dallas Center-Grimes High School (rated 5.2/10, 5.6 miles away, in nearby Grimes), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Waukee High School (rated 4.6/10, 2.0 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Waukee, see our Waukee schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Vince Meyer Early Learning Center Waukee 1.1 mi 3.4
Waukee Elementary School Waukee 1.3 mi 8.4
Grant Ragan Elementary School Waukee 1.2 mi 4.9
Waukee Middle School Waukee 1.7 mi 8.5
Waukee High School Waukee 2.0 mi 4.6
Prairieview School Waukee 2.2 mi 4.9
Radiant Elementary School Urbandale 2.5 mi 7.8
Shuler Elementary School Clive 2.2 mi 7.8
South Middle School Waukee 2.9 mi 6.1
Timberline School Waukee 3.1 mi 4.3
Sugar Creek Elementary School Waukee 3.3 mi 6.4
Walnut Hills Elementary School Urbandale 2.8 mi 8.2
Eason Elementary School Waukee 3.1 mi 5.8
Maple Grove Elementary School West Des Moines 3.5 mi 7.5
Brookview Elementary School West Des Moines 5.1 mi 7.4
DC-G Oak View Grimes 5.1 mi 7.6
Woodland Hills Elementary School West Des Moines 5.8 mi 7.2
Dallas Center Elementary Grimes 5.2 mi 7.8
Dallas Center-Grimes High School Grimes 5.6 mi 5.2
Webster Elementary School Urbandale 4.7 mi 7.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50263 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$107,864

Median Home Value

$332,500

Median Rent

$1,296/mo

Population

27,560

College Educated

57.3%

Homeownership

70%

Avg Commute

19.4 min

Poverty Rate

7.2%

Median Age

34.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Ankeny Centennial High School Ankeny, IA 5.5
Lewis Central Senior High School Council Bluffs, IA 5.6
Indianola High School Indianola, IA 5.3
Johnston Senior High School Johnston, IA 5.7
Ames High School Ames, IA 5.2
Ankeny High School Ankeny, IA 5.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Northwest High School

What grades does Northwest High School serve?

Northwest High School serves students in grades 10th through 12th.

How many students attend Northwest High School?

Northwest High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,524 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Northwest High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Northwest High School is 21.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Northwest High School rank in IA?

Northwest High School ranks #894 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Northwest High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Northwest High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 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 Northwest High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Northwest High School has 77% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025) and 81% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025).

Is Northwest High School a charter school?

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

Is Northwest High School a Title I school?

No, Northwest High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Northwest High School?

13.7% of students at Northwest 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
4 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
24 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
10th – 12th
Enrollment
1,524
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
72
Free/Reduced Lunch
13.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Dallas County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
23.7%

District

Waukee Comm School District
District Enrollment
13,600
Schools in District
18
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,927
District Rank
#12 of 17

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