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Very Good

#255 of 1,280 schools in IA

Top 20% in state

Based on limited data

South Elementary School

Elementary School · Central Decatur Comm School District

201 SE 6th St, Leon, IA 50144

Estimated Score

Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on IA statewide data. Learn more

Enrollment

171

Student-Teacher

10.7:1

Score

7.9

Grades

Pre-K – 2nd

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#255 of 1,280

In Leon

#1 of 3

public schools

In district

#1 of 3

Central Decatur Comm School District

School environment

9.4 / 10

Excellent

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South Elementary School

7.9/10

Elementary School in Leon · grades Pre-K – 2nd. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Central Decatur Ms/hs High School

7.3/10

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

North Elementary School

7.5/10

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

About South Elementary School

South Elementary School is a public elementary school in Leon, IA, part of Central Decatur Comm School District. South Elementary School serves approximately 171 students, and covers grades Pre-K-2nd, and has a 10.7:1 student-teacher ratio. South Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.9 out of 10 and ranks #255 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Based on limited data: 40% component coverage.

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 7.9 · Very Good
  • District avg 7.7
  • IA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

At 171 students, South 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.

South 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

Partial Profile · 2/3 metrics
Student ProgressNot Available

Requires 2+ years of test data

Academics6.3Average49%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.·Area estimate · Based on IA state average
Resources & Environment9.4Excellent51%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio10.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,664
Chronic Absenteeism15.8%

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

75.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Component weights adjusted due to data availability.

Test Scores

Test score data not yet available for this school.

How South Elementary School Compares

See how South Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.9/10
80th percentile in IA
Academic
6.3/10
Average
Environment
9.4/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
75%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
16 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
15.8%

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

201 SE 6th St, Leon, IA 50144

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering South Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. NORTH MERCER ELEM. (rated 8.9/10, 19.2 miles away, in nearby Mercer), which scores slightly higher. Another option is NORTH HARRISON ELEM. (rated 7.9/10, 22.2 miles away, in nearby Eagleville), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Mormon Trail Elementary School (rated 7.7/10, 15.3 miles away, in nearby Humeston), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Leon, see our Leon schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 23.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Central Decatur MS/HS High School Leon 0.9 mi 7.3
North Elementary School Leon 0.9 mi 7.5
FRANKLIN CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL Leon 4.1 mi
Lamoni Elementary School Lamoni 12.6 mi 5.6
Lamoni High School Lamoni 12.6 mi 3.9
Lamoni Middle School Lamoni 12.6 mi 6.7
POVERTY RIDGE AMISH SCHOOL Mercer 14.3 mi
ZADIE CREEK SCHOOL Eagleville 15.8 mi
Mormon Trail Elementary School Humeston 15.3 mi 7.7
Mormon Trail Jr-Sr High School Humeston 15.3 mi 5.5
Clarke Community Elementary School Osceola 20.5 mi 3.5
CAINSVILLE ELEM. Cainsville 20.6 mi 4.2
CAINSVILLE HIGH Cainsville 20.6 mi 6.2
Clarke Community High School Osceola 21.3 mi 3.3
Clarke Community Middle School Osceola 21.3 mi 3.8
NORTH MERCER ELEM. Mercer 19.2 mi 8.9
MERCER HIGH Mercer 19.2 mi 6.5
NORTH HARRISON ELEM. Eagleville 22.2 mi 7.9
NORTH HARRISON HIGH Eagleville 22.2 mi 8.0
Murray Elementary School Murray 23.6 mi 5.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50144 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$64,511

Median Home Value

$122,200

Median Rent

$544/mo

Population

2,715

College Educated

14.7%

Homeownership

63.8%

Avg Commute

28.5 min

Poverty Rate

5.6%

Median Age

38.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Hawarden Elementary School Hawarden, IA 7.9
Johnson Elementary Spencer, IA 7.9
North Iowa Elementary Buffalo Center Buffalo Center, IA 7.9
Bailey Park Elementary School Grinnell, IA 8.0
Carpenter Elementary School Monticello, IA 7.8
Dallas Center Elementary Grimes, IA 7.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about South Elementary School

What grades does South Elementary School serve?

South Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 2nd.

How many students attend South Elementary School?

South Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 171 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at South Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at South Elementary School is 10.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does South Elementary School rank in IA?

South Elementary School ranks #255 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is South Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

South Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.9 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

Is South Elementary School a charter school?

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

Is South Elementary School a Title I school?

No, South Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Elementary School?

75.4% of students at South 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
44 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
27 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 2nd
Enrollment
171
Student-Teacher Ratio
10.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
16
Free/Reduced Lunch
75.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Decatur County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
15.8%

District

Central Decatur Comm School District
District Enrollment
668
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,664
District Rank
#1 of 3

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