Skip to main content

Excellent

#105 of 1,280 schools in IA

Top 8% in state

Pierson Middle School

Middle School · Kingsley-Pierson Comm School District

321 4th St, Pierson, IA 51048

Enrollment

133

Student-Teacher

14.8:1

Score

8.5

Grades

5th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#105 of 1,280

In district

#1 of 3

Kingsley-Pierson Comm School District

Academic growth

9.7 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Pierson Middle School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Pierson Middle School

8.5/10

Middle School in Pierson · grades 5th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

River Valley Junior- Senior High School

7.0/10

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

Kingsley Elementary School

8.1/10

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

About Pierson Middle School

Pierson Middle School is a public middle school in Pierson, IA, part of Kingsley-Pierson Comm School District. Pierson Middle School serves approximately 133 students, and covers grades 5th-8th, and has a 14.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Pierson Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.5 out of 10 and ranks #105 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Pierson Middle School show 74% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.8 pts above IA schools
  • This school 8.5 · Excellent
  • IA avg 6.7

What Parents Should Know

At 133 students, Pierson Middle 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.

Pierson Middle 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 · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress9.7Excellent40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change+0.54 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics8.6Excellent35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency79.1% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency84.5% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg+7.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+13.8 pts
Overall Proficiency82% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)74% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+7.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile78th
Resources & Environment6.3Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,704
Chronic Absenteeism20.3%

Pierson Middle School — Students at Pierson Middle School score 82% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 74%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

37.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 73.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
73.1% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 73.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
75.3% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 38 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
72%
ELA
67%
2010
Math
72%
ELA
67%
2011
Math
62%
ELA
57%
2012
Math
62%
ELA
52%
2013
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2014
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2015
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2016
Math
77%
ELA
77%
2017
Math
82%
ELA
72%
2018
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2019
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2020*
Math
62%
ELA
72%
2021*
Math
62%
ELA
72%
2022
Math
62%
ELA
72%
2025
Math
79.1%
ELA
84.5%

* 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: 9.7/10.

How Pierson Middle School Compares

See how Pierson Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.5/10
92th percentile in IA
Academic
8.6/10
Excellent
Growth
9.7/10
Excellent
Environment
6.3/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
38%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
9 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
20.3%

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

321 4th St, Pierson, IA 51048

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Pierson Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Woodbury Central Middle School (rated 7.5/10, 11.1 miles away, in nearby Moville), with a comparable rating. Another option is MVAO Middle School (rated 7.2/10, 11.3 miles away, in nearby Anthon), a more accessible option. Additionally, Remsen-Union Middle School (rated 6.9/10, 18.7 miles away, in nearby Remsen), a more accessible option. For more schools in Pierson, see our Pierson schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 21.8 mi
School Distance Rating
River Valley Junior- Senior High School Correctionville 6.6 mi 7.0
Kingsley Elementary School Kingsley 6.2 mi 8.1
Kingsley-Pierson High School Kingsley 6.2 mi 7.5
River Valley Elementary Washta 7.8 mi 5.5
MVAO Middle School Anthon 11.3 mi 7.2
Anthon Elementary Anthon 11.3 mi 9.6
Moville Elementary School Moville 11.1 mi 7.9
Woodbury Central Middle School Moville 11.1 mi 7.5
Woodbury Central High School Moville 11.1 mi 7.2
Remsen-Union Elementary School Remsen 18.7 mi 9.4
Remsen-Union Middle School Remsen 18.7 mi 6.9
MMCRU High School Marcus 19.0 mi 7.4
MMCRU Marcus Elementary Marcus 19.0 mi 7.8
ST MARY'S SCHOOL Remsen 18.8 mi 7.1
Lawton-Bronson Junior-Senior High School Lawton 16.4 mi 6.9
Galva-Holstein Elementary School Holstein 17.4 mi 5.6
Ridge View High School Holstein 17.4 mi 5.9
DANBURY CATHOLIC SCHOOL Danbury 22.9 mi 6.4
Bronson Elementary School Bronson 20.0 mi 8.1
Kluckhohn Elementary School Le Mars 21.8 mi 6.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 51048 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$80,000

Median Home Value

$105,400

Median Rent

$716/mo

Population

465

College Educated

24.3%

Homeownership

76.5%

Poverty Rate

8%

Median Age

32.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Montezuma Junior High School Montezuma, IA 8.6
North Union Middle School Swea City, IA 8.6
West Hancock Middle School Kanawha, IA 8.6
South Winneshiek Middle School Ossian, IA 8.7
Maquoketa Valley Middle School Delhi, IA 8.2
North-Linn Middle School Troy Mills, IA 8.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Pierson Middle School

What grades does Pierson Middle School serve?

Pierson Middle School serves students in grades 5th through 8th.

How many students attend Pierson Middle School?

Pierson Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 133 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Pierson Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Pierson Middle School is 14.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Pierson Middle School rank in IA?

Pierson Middle School ranks #105 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Pierson Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Pierson Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.5 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 Pierson Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Pierson Middle School has 74% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Pierson Middle School a charter school?

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

Is Pierson Middle School a Title I school?

No, Pierson Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pierson Middle School?

37.6% of students at Pierson Middle 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
10 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
23 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
133
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
9
Free/Reduced Lunch
37.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Woodbury County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
20.3%

District

Kingsley-Pierson Comm School District
District Enrollment
438
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,704
District Rank
#1 of 3

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.