Average
#845 of 1,280 schools in IA
South Central Calhoun High School
High School · South Central Calhoun Comm School District
709 W Main St, Lake City, IA 51449
Enrollment
281
Student-Teacher
10.4:1
Score
5.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
281
Student-Teacher
10.4:1
Score
5.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa high schools
#191 of 334
In district
#2 of 3
South Central Calhoun Comm School District
School environment
9.3 / 10
Exceptional
About South Central Calhoun High School
South Central Calhoun High School is a regular public high school located in Lake City, Iowa, situated in the remote rural area of Calhoun County. The school serves students from ninth through twelfth grade and has an enrollment of 281 students with a student-teacher ratio of 10.4:1. This means each teacher typically handles around ten to eleven students, providing a relatively personalized learning environment.
South Central Calhoun High School is focused on fostering the academic development of its students, though it currently stands at the 18th percentile in state rankings with room for improvement in overall academic performance. The school's proficiency rates indicate that 76% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts and Reading, while 67% meet these standards in math. In science, a strong 75% of students demonstrate proficiency.
The school is set in a rural community where close-knit relationships between students, teachers, and families contribute to its warm and supportive atmosphere. South Central Calhoun High School is well-rooted within the heart of Lake City, offering a nurturing environment for young minds to grow and thrive.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, South Central Calhoun High 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 · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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South Central Calhoun High School — Students at South Central Calhoun High School score 62% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 65%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
45.6%
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
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 1.9/10.
How South Central Calhoun High School Compares
See how South Central Calhoun High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 87% (2019) to 57% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 92% (2019) to 67% (2022).
Location
709 W Main St, Lake City, IA 51449
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South Central Calhoun High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Coon Rapids-Bayard 6-12 Attendance Center (rated 7.7/10, 27.0 miles away, in nearby Coon Rapids), which scores notably higher. Another option is Westside Junior-Senior High School (rated 7.2/10, 22.7 miles away, in nearby Westside), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Glidden-Ralston Jr-Sr High School (rated 6.7/10, 14.2 miles away, in nearby Glidden), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Lake City, see our Lake City schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 26.8 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 51449 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$66,750
Median Home Value
$119,300
Median Rent
$761/mo
Population
1,951
College Educated
18.2%
Homeownership
79.5%
Poverty Rate
11.1%
Median Age
48.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding South Central Calhoun High School has a median household income of $66,750. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $119,300, with a median rent of $761/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.1%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| East Marshall Senior High School Le Grand, IA | 5.8 |
| Edgewood-Colesburg High School Edgewood, IA | 5.8 |
| Estherville Lincoln Central High School Estherville, IA | 5.8 |
| GMG Secondary School Garwin, IA | 5.8 |
| Hudson High School Hudson, IA | 5.8 |
| Lone Tree Middle-Senior High School Lone Tree, IA | 5.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Central Calhoun High School
What grades does South Central Calhoun High School serve?
South Central Calhoun High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend South Central Calhoun High School?
South Central Calhoun High School has an enrollment of approximately 281 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at South Central Calhoun High School?
The student-teacher ratio at South Central Calhoun High School is 10.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does South Central Calhoun High School rank in IA?
South Central Calhoun High School is ranked #845 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is South Central Calhoun High School's MySchoolScout rating?
South Central Calhoun High School has a composite rating of 5.8 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 South Central Calhoun High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, South Central Calhoun High School has 67.4% math proficiency and 76.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is South Central Calhoun High School a charter school?
No, South Central Calhoun High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is South Central Calhoun High School a Title I school?
No, South Central Calhoun High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Central Calhoun High School?
45.6% of students at South Central Calhoun 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.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- Average (484/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Lake City). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 281
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 27
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 45.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Calhoun County
- Phone
- (712) 464-7211
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
South Central Calhoun Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 915
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,957
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
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
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