Excellent
#118 of 1,280 schools in IA
Top 9% in state
Riceville Elementary School
Elementary School · Riceville Comm School District
912 Woodland Ave, Riceville, IA 50466
Enrollment
226
Student-Teacher
12.6:1
Score
8.0
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
226
Student-Teacher
12.6:1
Score
8.0
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Riceville
#1 of 2
public schools
Iowa elementary schools
#92 of 662
In district
#1 of 2
Riceville Comm School District
Academic growth
9.6 / 10
Exceptional
About Riceville Elementary School
Riceville Elementary School is a charming rural institution nestled in the heart of Riceville, Iowa. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, the school boasts an enrollment of 226 students and maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 12.6:1 with 18 full-time equivalent teachers. Set against the backdrop of Howard County’s serene landscapes, Riceville Elementary focuses on providing a nurturing environment for young learners.
Academically, the school has made steady progress, though it currently ranks at the 49th percentile among Iowa schools, reflecting areas where there is room for improvement. On standardized tests, students show proficiency levels in ELA/Reading (68%), Math (73%), and Science (73%). While these scores indicate solid performance, Riceville Elementary continues to work diligently on enhancing its educational offerings.
Riceville Elementary School's setting offers a close-knit community atmosphere where teachers and families closely collaborate to support student development. The rural location provides unique opportunities for hands-on learning experiences in nature and agriculture, enriching the curriculum beyond traditional classroom settings.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Riceville Elementary School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
Data not available for this school
View breakdown
Riceville Elementary School — Students at Riceville Elementary School score 62% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 66%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
45.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 13 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.6/10.
How Riceville Elementary School Compares
See how Riceville Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 67% (2019) to 67% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 62% (2019) to 57% (2022).
Location
912 Woodland Ave, Riceville, IA 50466
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Riceville Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. GRAND MEADOW ELEMENTARY (rated 8.3/10, 24.5 miles away, in nearby Grand Meadow), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Washington Elementary School (rated 8.0/10, 20.0 miles away, in nearby Charles City), with a very similar rating. Additionally, SOUTHLAND ELEMENTARY (rated 7.6/10, 16.9 miles away, in nearby Adams), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Riceville, see our Riceville schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 24.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Riceville High School Riceville | 0.0 mi | 7.3 |
| CARDS Program Austin | 11.1 mi | — |
| LEROY ELEMENTARY Leroy | 11.2 mi | 6.7 |
| LEROY SECONDARY Leroy | 11.2 mi | 4.7 |
| Osage High School Osage | 13.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Osage Middle School Osage | 13.9 mi | 6.8 |
| First Step Adams Austin | 16.7 mi | — |
| SOUTHLAND SENIOR HIGH Adams | 16.9 mi | 2.2 |
| SOUTHLAND ELEMENTARY Adams | 16.9 mi | 7.6 |
| SOUTHLAND MIDDLE Adams | 16.9 mi | 7.5 |
| Lincoln Elementary School Osage | 14.0 mi | 7.2 |
| Washington Elementary School Charles City | 20.0 mi | 8.0 |
| Lincoln Elementary School Charles City | 20.7 mi | 6.7 |
| Charles City Middle School Charles City | 20.9 mi | 7.7 |
| Charles City High School Charles City | 20.9 mi | 5.4 |
| IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL Charles City | 20.9 mi | 5.6 |
| Next Step East (Grand Meadow) Grand Meadow | 24.2 mi | — |
| Enrich GM Austin | 24.5 mi | — |
| GRAND MEADOW ELEMENTARY Grand Meadow | 24.5 mi | 8.3 |
| GRAND MEADOW MIDDLE Grand Meadow | 24.5 mi | 2.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50466 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$60,833
Median Home Value
$160,900
Median Rent
$792/mo
Population
2,089
College Educated
23.2%
Homeownership
70.7%
Avg Commute
27.9 min
Poverty Rate
9.4%
Median Age
33
Community Profile
The community surrounding Riceville Elementary School has a median household income of $60,833. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $160,900, with a median rent of $792/month. The local poverty rate of 9.4% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 28 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Akron Westfield Elementary School Akron, IA | 8.0 |
| Earlham Elementary School Earlham, IA | 8.0 |
| East Buchanan Elementary School Winthrop, IA | 8.0 |
| Madrid Elementary School Madrid, IA | 8.0 |
| Tripoli Elementary School Tripoli, IA | 8.0 |
| Washington Elementary School Charles City, IA | 8.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Riceville Elementary School
What grades does Riceville Elementary School serve?
Riceville Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Riceville Elementary School?
Riceville Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 226 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Riceville Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Riceville Elementary School is 12.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Riceville Elementary School rank in IA?
Riceville Elementary School is ranked #118 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Riceville Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Riceville Elementary School has a composite rating of 8.0 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Riceville Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Riceville Elementary School has 73.0% math proficiency and 67.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Riceville Elementary School a charter school?
No, Riceville Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Riceville Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Riceville Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Riceville Elementary School?
45.1% of students at Riceville 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.
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 226
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 18
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 45.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Howard County
- Phone
- (641) 985-2288
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Riceville Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 431
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,631
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated 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.