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Needs Improvement

#1194 of 1,280 schools in IA

Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School

Elementary School · Ruthven-Ayrshire Comm School District

PO BOX 159 1505 Washington St, Ruthven, IA 51358

Enrollment

88

Student-Teacher

12.6:1

Score

3.4

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,194 of 1,280

In Ruthven

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 2

Ruthven-Ayrshire Comm School District

School environment

9.9 / 10

Excellent

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Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School

3.4/10

Elementary School in Ruthven · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Ruthven-ayrshire High School

5.3/10

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

Graettinger-terril High School

5.3/10

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

About Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School

Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School is a public elementary school in Ruthven, IA, part of Ruthven-Ayrshire Comm School District. Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School serves approximately 88 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 12.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 out of 10 and ranks #1,194 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School show 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares3.1 pts below IA schools
  • This school 3.4 · Needs Improvement
  • IA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

At 88 students, Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary 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.

Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary 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 Progress1.5Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.51 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics2.3Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency46.7% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency53.3% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-25.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-17.4 pts
Overall Proficiency50% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)66% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-16.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile6th
Resources & Environment9.9Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,445
Chronic Absenteeism8%

Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School — Students at Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School score 50% 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

52.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 65.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
72.0% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 63.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
70.7% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 31 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
82%
ELA
67%
2010
Math
87%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
74.5%
ELA
64.5%
2012
Math
82%
ELA
67%
2013
Math
92%
ELA
62%
2014
Math
84.5%
ELA
74.5%
2015
Math
84.5%
ELA
74.5%
2016
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2017
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2018
Math
44.5%
ELA
54.5%
2019
Math
44.5%
ELA
54.5%
2020*
Math
34.5%
ELA
44.5%
2021*
Math
34.5%
ELA
44.5%
2022
Math
44.5%
ELA
54.5%
2025
Math
46.7%
ELA
53.3%

* 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: 1.5/10.

How Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School Compares

See how Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.4/10
7th percentile in IA
Academic
2.3/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
1.5/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
9.9/10
Excellent

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
52%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
7 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
8.0%

Location

PO BOX 159 1505 Washington St, Ruthven, IA 51358

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Johnson Elementary (rated 7.9/10, 12.9 miles away, in nearby Spencer), which scores notably higher. Another option is West Elementary School (rated 7.8/10, 11.0 miles away, in nearby Emmetsburg), which scores notably higher. Additionally, EMMETSBURG CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 11.4 miles away, in nearby Emmetsburg), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Ruthven, see our Ruthven schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 18.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Ruthven-Ayrshire High School Ruthven 0.0 mi 5.3
Graettinger-Terril High School Graettinger 10.4 mi 5.3
Graettinger-Terril Middle School Graettinger 10.4 mi 4.5
Graettinger-Terril Elementary School Terril 12.5 mi 6.9
Emmetsburg High School Emmetsburg 10.6 mi 5.4
Emmetsburg Middle School Emmetsburg 10.6 mi 8.2
West Elementary School Emmetsburg 11.0 mi 7.8
EMMETSBURG CATHOLIC SCHOOL Emmetsburg 11.4 mi 7.3
IOWA GREAT LAKES LUTHERAN SCHOOL Spencer 11.4 mi 6.2
Spencer Middle School Spencer 11.5 mi 7.8
Spencer High School Spencer 11.7 mi 6.4
Fairview Park Elementary Spencer 12.0 mi 4.4
Lincoln Elementary School Spencer 12.6 mi 5.8
SACRED HEART SCHOOL Spencer 12.7 mi 6.8
Johnson Elementary Spencer 12.9 mi 7.9
Demoney Elementary Estherville 19.0 mi 6.0
Estherville Lincoln Central Middle School Estherville 19.0 mi 8.1
Estherville Lincoln Central High School Estherville 19.0 mi 4.6
Laurens-Marathon Elementary School Laurens 19.5 mi 4.8
Okoboji Elementary School Milford 18.2 mi 6.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 51358 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$70,921

Median Home Value

$146,900

Median Rent

$652/mo

Population

1,277

College Educated

28.7%

Homeownership

81.5%

Avg Commute

23.3 min

Poverty Rate

11.6%

Median Age

47.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Moulton Elementary School Moulton, IA 3.4
Essex Elementary School Essex, IA 3.9
VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Indianola, IA 3.9
Gilmore City Elementary School Gilmore City, IA 4.5
Seymour Elementary School Seymour, IA 4.7
Orient Elementary School Orient, IA 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School

What grades does Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School serve?

Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.

How many students attend Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School?

Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 88 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Ruthven-ayrshire 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 Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School rank in IA?

Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School ranks #1,194 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 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 Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School has 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School a charter school?

No, Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School?

52.3% of students at Ruthven-ayrshire 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
30 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
35 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
88
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
7
Free/Reduced Lunch
52.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Palo Alto County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
8.0%

District

Ruthven-Ayrshire Comm School District
District Enrollment
158
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,445
District Rank
#2 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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