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Needs Improvement

#1210 of 1,280 schools in IA

Oelwein High School

High School · Oelwein Comm School District

315 8th Ave SE, Oelwein, IA 50662

Enrollment

341

Student-Teacher

13.6:1

Score

3.2

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,210 of 1,280

In Oelwein

#3 of 5

public schools

In district

#3 of 5

Oelwein Comm School District

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Oelwein High School

3.2/10

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

Little Husky Learning Center

4.7/10

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

Oelwein Middle School

2.5/10

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

About Oelwein High School

Oelwein High School is a public high school in Oelwein, IA, part of Oelwein Comm School District. Oelwein High School serves approximately 341 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 13.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Oelwein High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,210 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Oelwein High School show 68% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares2.8 pts below IA schools
  • This school 3.2 · Needs Improvement
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

37% of students at Oelwein 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 Progress2.1Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.99 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.2Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency57.1% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency60.3% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-9.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-16.8 pts
Overall Proficiency59% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)69% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-10.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile13th
College Readiness3.1Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate77%
AP Participation6.7%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.7Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,574
Chronic Absenteeism37%

Oelwein High School — Students at Oelwein High School score 59% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 69%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

47.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 68.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
67.3% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 71.6% (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

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
77%
ELA
92%
2010
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2012
Math
77%
ELA
82%
2013
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2014
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2015
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2016
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2017
Math
82%
ELA
72%
2018
Math
62%
ELA
62%
2019
Math
62%
ELA
62%
2020*
Math
46%
ELA
62%
2021*
Math
46%
ELA
62%
2022
Math
52%
ELA
61%
2025
Math
57.1%
ELA
60.3%

* 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: 2.1/10.

How Oelwein High School Compares

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

Overall Score
3.2/10
6th percentile in IA
Academic
3.2/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
2.1/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.7/10
Below Average
AP Courses
1
State avg: 1.7
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
47%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
25 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
37.0%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
6.7% participation·State avg: 1.7 AP courses·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

315 8th Ave SE, Oelwein, IA 50662

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Oelwein High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. West Central Charter High School (rated 5.8/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Maynard), which scores notably higher. Another option is Independence Junior Senior High School (rated 5.8/10, 14.5 miles away, in nearby Independence), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Wapsie Valley High School (rated 4.9/10, 12.1 miles away, in nearby Fairbank), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Oelwein, see our Oelwein schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Little Husky Learning Center Oelwein 0.0 mi 4.7
Oelwein Middle School Oelwein 0.2 mi 2.5
Wings Park Elementary School Oelwein 0.6 mi 6.0
Oelwein Online School Oelwein 1.1 mi 2.6
Rural Elementary School #1 Fairbank 5.2 mi
West Central Charter High School Maynard 6.8 mi 5.8
West Central PK - 8 School Maynard 6.8 mi 4.5
Rural Elementary School #2 Fairbank 5.8 mi
Rural Elementary School #4 Fairbank 7.0 mi
Prairie Grove Elementary School Jesup 8.3 mi
Fairbank Elementary School Fairbank 7.6 mi 7.6
Triumph Elementary School Jesup 8.8 mi 2.4
Perry #1 Elementary School Jesup 10.2 mi
INDEPENDENCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Independence 13.2 mi
ST JOHNS SCHOOL Independence 13.9 mi 6.2
Early Childhood Center Independence 14.1 mi 2.9
East Elementary School Independence 14.2 mi 7.6
West Elementary School Independence 14.2 mi 6.3
Independence Junior Senior High School Independence 14.5 mi 5.8
Wapsie Valley High School Fairbank 12.1 mi 4.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50662 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$49,145

Median Home Value

$108,200

Median Rent

$760/mo

Population

6,497

College Educated

15.7%

Homeownership

78.5%

Avg Commute

21.6 min

Poverty Rate

16.3%

Median Age

46.1

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Clarke Community High School Osceola, IA 3.3
Washington High School Washington, IA 3.1
Metro High School Cedar Rapids, IA 3.7
Tipton High School Tipton, IA 3.8
West Liberty High School West Liberty, IA 4.0
Okoboji High School Milford, IA 4.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Oelwein High School

What grades does Oelwein High School serve?

Oelwein High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Oelwein High School?

Oelwein High School has an enrollment of approximately 341 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Oelwein High School is 13.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Oelwein High School rank in IA?

Oelwein High School ranks #1,210 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Oelwein High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Oelwein High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 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 Oelwein High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Oelwein High School has 68% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Oelwein High School a charter school?

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

Is Oelwein High School a Title I school?

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

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

47.2% of students at Oelwein 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
51 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
61 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
341
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
25
Free/Reduced Lunch
47.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Town
County
Fayette County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
37.0%
4-Year Graduation
77.0%

District

Oelwein Comm School District
District Enrollment
1,349
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,574
District Rank
#3 of 5

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