Skip to main content

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

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 metrics
Student Progress9.6Exceptional50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data4
Annual Change+2.75 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendImproving
Academics4.9Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency67%
Reading/ELA Proficiency57%
Math vs. State Avg-9.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-12.1 pts
Overall Proficiency62%
Expected (poverty-adj.)66%
vs. Expected-3.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile30th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment8.8Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,450

Riceville Elementary School — Students at Riceville Elementary School score 62% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 66%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

45.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 73.0%
School
State
74.6%
ELA Proficiency 67.9%
School
State
72.3%

Based on 13 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2019
Math
67%
ELA
62%
2021*
Math
62%
ELA
52%
2022
Math
67%
ELA
57%
2025
Math
80.6%
ELA
78.9%

* 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.

Overall Score
8.0/10
91th percentile in IA
Academic
4.9/10
4.9/10
Growth
9.6/10
Above average
Environment
8.8/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
45%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
18 teachers

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
17 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
37 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR. County-level only.

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
Data Year
2023–2024

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 methodology

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.