Skip to main content

Below Average

#1039 of 1,280 schools in IA

South Central Calhoun Middle School

Middle School · South Central Calhoun Comm School District

1000 Tonawanda Street, Rockwell City, IA 50579

Enrollment

327

Student-Teacher

14.9:1

Score

4.7

Grades

4th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,039 of 1,280

In Rockwell City

#1 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 3

South Central Calhoun Comm School District

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around South Central Calhoun 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.

South Central Calhoun Middle School

4.7/10

Middle School in Rockwell City · grades 4th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

South Central Calhoun Elementary School

4.6/10

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

South Central Calhoun High School

7.4/10

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

About South Central Calhoun Middle School

South Central Calhoun Middle School is a public middle school in Rockwell City, IA, part of South Central Calhoun Comm School District. South Central Calhoun Middle School serves approximately 327 students, and covers grades 4th-8th, and has a 14.9:1 student-teacher ratio. South Central Calhoun Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks #1,039 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for South Central Calhoun Middle School show 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2014-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2014-2025).

How it compares2.0 pts below IA schools
  • This school 4.7 · Below Average
  • IA avg 6.7

What Parents Should Know

South Central Calhoun 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 Progress2.8Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data10
Annual Change-1.69 pts/yr
Data Period2014–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.7Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency70.4% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency70% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-4.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-7 pts
Overall Proficiency70% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)69% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+0.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile40th
Resources & Environment6.3Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,957
Chronic Absenteeism16.5%

South Central Calhoun Middle School — Students at South Central Calhoun Middle School score 70% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 69%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

46.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 70.9% (multi-year average, 2014-2025)
School
State
73.4% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 72.1% (multi-year average, 2014-2025)
School
State
75.6% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 30 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2014
Math
82%
ELA
78%
2015
Math
79%
ELA
79%
2016
Math
80%
ELA
79%
2017
Math
79%
ELA
83%
2018
Math
70%
ELA
76%
2019
Math
70%
ELA
76%
2020*
Math
62%
ELA
64%
2021*
Math
62%
ELA
64%
2022
Math
57%
ELA
60%
2025
Math
70.4%
ELA
70%

* 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: 2.8/10.

How South Central Calhoun Middle School Compares

See how South Central Calhoun Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.7/10
19th percentile in IA
Academic
5.7/10
Average
Growth
2.8/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
6.3/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
47%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
22 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
16.5%

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

1000 Tonawanda Street, Rockwell City, IA 50579

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering South Central Calhoun Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Newell-Fonda Middle Sch. (rated 5.8/10, 23.2 miles away, in nearby Newell), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Carroll Middle School (rated 5.3/10, 23.3 miles away, in nearby Carroll), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Rockwell City, see our Rockwell City schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 23.2 mi
School Distance Rating
South Central Calhoun Elementary School Rockwell City 1.1 mi 4.6
South Central Calhoun High School Lake City 10.0 mi 7.4
Manson Northwest Webster Junior High/High School Manson 11.5 mi 5.2
Paton-Churdan Elementary Churdan 18.3 mi 7.0
Paton-Churdan Jr-Sr High School Churdan 18.3 mi 6.9
Manson Northwest Webster Elementary Barnum 16.4 mi 7.0
Pocahontas Area Regional Learning Center Pocahontas 23.5 mi
Pocahontas Area Elementary School Pocahontas 23.5 mi 6.8
Glidden-Ralston Elementary School Glidden 23.3 mi 5.3
Glidden-Ralston Jr-Sr High School Glidden 23.3 mi 6.3
Pocahontas Area Middle/ High School Pocahontas 23.6 mi 5.7
East Sac County Elementary Sac City 18.5 mi 4.5
Carroll Middle School Carroll 23.3 mi 5.3
Carroll High School Carroll 23.6 mi 6.5
Fairview Elementary School Carroll 24.2 mi 9.2
Adams Elementary School Carroll 24.9 mi 5.6
Gilmore City Elementary School Gilmore City 25.4 mi 4.5
KUEMPER CATHOLIC GRADE SCHOOL Carroll 25.7 mi 6.0
Newell-Fonda Middle Sch. Newell 23.2 mi 5.8
Newell-Fonda Elementary Newell 23.2 mi 6.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50579 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$69,464

Median Home Value

$136,800

Median Rent

$760/mo

Population

3,176

College Educated

20.2%

Homeownership

79.5%

Avg Commute

22.1 min

Poverty Rate

5.9%

Median Age

40.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Davis County Middle School Bloomfield, IA 4.7
West Liberty Middle School West Liberty, IA 4.7
Aldo Leopold Intermediate School Burlington, IA 4.5
REGIS MIDDLE SCHOOL Cedar Rapids, IA 4.9
Maquoketa Middle School Maquoketa, IA 5.0
Thomas Jefferson Middle School Dubuque, IA 4.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about South Central Calhoun Middle School

What grades does South Central Calhoun Middle School serve?

South Central Calhoun Middle School serves students in grades 4th through 8th.

How many students attend South Central Calhoun Middle School?

South Central Calhoun Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 327 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at South Central Calhoun Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at South Central Calhoun Middle School is 14.9:1. 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 Middle School rank in IA?

South Central Calhoun Middle School ranks #1,039 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is South Central Calhoun Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

South Central Calhoun Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 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 South Central Calhoun Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, South Central Calhoun Middle School has 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2014-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2014-2025).

Is South Central Calhoun Middle School a charter school?

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

Is South Central Calhoun Middle School a Title I school?

No, South Central Calhoun Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Central Calhoun Middle School?

46.5% of students at South Central Calhoun 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
9 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
31 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
4th – 8th
Enrollment
327
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
22
Free/Reduced Lunch
46.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Calhoun County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
16.5%

District

South Central Calhoun Comm School District
District Enrollment
915
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,957
District Rank
#2 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.