Average
#738 of 1,280 schools in IA
Northwood-kensett Middle/high School
High School · Northwood-Kensett Comm School District
PO BOX 289 704 7th St N, Northwood, IA 50459
Enrollment
281
Student-Teacher
12.8:1
Score
6.1
Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
281
Student-Teacher
12.8:1
Score
6.1
Grades
6th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#738 of 1,280
In Northwood
#1 of 2
public schools
In district
#1 of 2
Northwood-Kensett Comm School District
School environment
7.4 / 10
Very Good
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Northwood-kensett Middle/high School
High School in Northwood · grades 6th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Northwood-kensett Elementary
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Glenville-emmons Secondary
8.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Northwood-kensett Middle/high School
Northwood-kensett Middle/high School is a public high school in Northwood, IA, part of Northwood-Kensett Comm School District. Northwood-kensett Middle/high School serves approximately 281 students, and covers grades 6th-12th, and has a 12.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Northwood-kensett Middle/high School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 out of 10 and ranks #738 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for Northwood-kensett Middle/high School show 74% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 77% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.1 · Average
- IA avg 6.0
What Parents Should Know
Northwood-kensett Middle/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 metricsView breakdown
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Northwood-kensett Middle/high School — Students at Northwood-kensett Middle/high School score 75% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 74%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
38.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 42 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 6.8/10.
How Northwood-kensett Middle/high School Compares
See how Northwood-kensett Middle/high School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
PO BOX 289 704 7th St N, Northwood, IA 50459
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Northwood-kensett Middle/high School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. GLENVILLE-EMMONS SECONDARY (rated 6.9/10, 8.3 miles away, in nearby Glenville), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Central Springs High School (rated 6.9/10, 11.6 miles away, in nearby Manly), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Lyle High School (rated 5.3/10, 14.6 miles away, in nearby Lyle), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Northwood, see our Northwood schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 20.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Northwood-Kensett Elementary Northwood | 0.6 mi | 5.2 |
| GLENVILLE-EMMONS SECONDARY Glenville | 8.3 mi | 6.9 |
| Success West Austin | 8.3 mi | — |
| GLENVILLE EMMONS ELEMENTARY Glenville | 8.8 mi | 4.8 |
| Success East Austin | 8.8 mi | — |
| Central Springs Elementary Manly Campus Manly | 11.6 mi | 6.3 |
| Central Springs High School Manly | 11.6 mi | 6.9 |
| HALVERSON ELEMENTARY Albert Lea | 14.0 mi | 7.4 |
| ST THEODORE'S EL Albert Lea | 15.4 mi | 7.9 |
| HAWTHORNE ELEMENTARY Albert Lea | 15.6 mi | 4.9 |
| SIBLEY ELEMENTARY Albert Lea | 15.5 mi | 5.4 |
| SOUTHWEST MIDDLE Albert Lea | 15.5 mi | 5.4 |
| ALBERT LEA SENIOR HIGH Albert Lea | 16.6 mi | 4.4 |
| LAKEVIEW ELEMENTARY Albert Lea | 16.0 mi | 7.4 |
| Brookside Early Childhood Sp Ed Albert Lea | 16.4 mi | 5.9 |
| Albert Lea Area Learning Center Albert Lea | 16.8 mi | 4.8 |
| LYLE ELEMENTARY Lyle | 14.6 mi | 3.9 |
| Lyle High School Lyle | 14.6 mi | 5.3 |
| Lyle Middle Lyle | 14.6 mi | 4.2 |
| Harding Elementary School Mason City | 20.0 mi | 6.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50459 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$76,053
Median Home Value
$148,000
Median Rent
$690/mo
Population
3,027
College Educated
22.3%
Homeownership
84%
Avg Commute
19.8 min
Poverty Rate
7.3%
Median Age
41.4
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| BURLINGTON NOTRE DAME JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL Burlington, IA | 6.1 |
| North Mahaska Jr-Sr High School New Sharon, IA | 6.1 |
| WESTERN CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Hull, IA | 6.1 |
| Westwood High School Sloan, IA | 6.1 |
| Central City High School Central City, IA | 6.0 |
| Danville Junior-Senior High School Danville, IA | 6.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Northwood-kensett Middle/high School
What grades does Northwood-kensett Middle/high School serve?
Northwood-kensett Middle/high School serves students in grades 6th through 12th.
How many students attend Northwood-kensett Middle/high School?
Northwood-kensett Middle/high School has an enrollment of approximately 281 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Northwood-kensett Middle/high School?
The student-teacher ratio at Northwood-kensett Middle/high School is 12.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Northwood-kensett Middle/high School rank in IA?
Northwood-kensett Middle/high School ranks #738 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Northwood-kensett Middle/high School's MySchoolScout rating?
Northwood-kensett Middle/high School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 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 Northwood-kensett Middle/high School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Northwood-kensett Middle/high School has 74% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 77% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Northwood-kensett Middle/high School a charter school?
No, Northwood-kensett Middle/high School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Northwood-kensett Middle/high School a Title I school?
No, Northwood-kensett Middle/high School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Northwood-kensett Middle/high School?
38.1% of students at Northwood-kensett Middle/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.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 281
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 22
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 38.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Worth County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 20.3%
- Phone
- (641) 324-2142
- 4-Year Graduation
- 90%+
Resources & Links
District
Northwood-Kensett Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 575
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,357
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
Other Schools in This District
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