Average
#807 of 1,280 schools in IA
South Hamilton Middle and High School
High School · South Hamilton Comm School District
315 Division St, Jewell, IA 50130
Enrollment
315
Student-Teacher
13.7:1
Score
6.0
Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
315
Student-Teacher
13.7:1
Score
6.0
Grades
7th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Jewell
#2 of 2
public schools
Iowa high schools
#180 of 334
In district
#2 of 2
South Hamilton Comm School District
Academic performance
8.3 / 10
Very strong
About South Hamilton Middle and High School
South Hamilton Middle And High School serves 315 students in grades 7-12 in the small rural community of Jewell, Iowa. With 23 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a favorable 13.7:1 student-teacher ratio that allows for more personalized attention and stronger teacher-student relationships. Academically, South Hamilton performs well above average, earning a 7.4 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating and ranking #189 out of 1,288 Iowa schools, placing it in the 85th percentile statewide.
The school demonstrates solid academic achievement with 83% of students performing proficient or above in English Language Arts and Reading, while 76% reach proficiency in Mathematics. These strong test results reflect the school's commitment to academic excellence in its rural setting. The school sits in Hamilton County's zip code 50130, a stable community of 1,567 residents with a median household income of $78,816 and a low poverty rate of just 7.5%.
The area features affordable housing with a median home value of $128,600, though 28% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, suggesting a community that values education. South Hamilton Middle And High School provides quality education in Iowa's heartland, combining small-school advantages with strong academic performance in a close-knit rural environment.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, South Hamilton Middle and 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
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South Hamilton Middle and High School — Students at South Hamilton Middle and High School score 80% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 76%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
26%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 18 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 6.4/10.
How South Hamilton Middle and High School Compares
See how South Hamilton Middle and High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 77% (2019) to 76% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 82% (2019) to 83% (2022).
Location
315 Division St, Jewell, IA 50130
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South Hamilton Middle and High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Gilbert High School (rated 6.2/10, 13.7 miles away, in nearby Gilbert), with a very similar rating. Another option is Webster City High School (rated 5.9/10, 15.1 miles away, in nearby Webster City), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Ames High School (rated 5.9/10, 18.1 miles away, in nearby Ames), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Jewell, see our Jewell schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 18.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| South Hamilton Elem Jewell | 0.2 mi | 7.9 |
| Roland-Story Elementary School Story City | 8.2 mi | 6.4 |
| Roland-Story High School Story City | 8.4 mi | 5.2 |
| Northeast Hamilton Elementary School Webster City | 12.3 mi | 4.8 |
| Gilbert Middle School Gilbert | 13.4 mi | 6.3 |
| Gilbert Intermediate School Gilbert | 13.5 mi | 4.4 |
| Gilbert Elementary School Gilbert | 13.6 mi | 4.6 |
| Gilbert High School Gilbert | 13.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Roland-Story Middle School Roland | 12.1 mi | 7.5 |
| Hubbard-Radcliffe Elementary School Radcliffe | 10.8 mi | 7.6 |
| Pleasant View Elementary School Webster City | 14.0 mi | 7.1 |
| ST THOMAS AQUINAS SCHOOL Webster City | 14.4 mi | 6.5 |
| Webster City Middle School Webster City | 14.5 mi | 7.6 |
| Sunset Heights Elementary School Webster City | 14.6 mi | 7.8 |
| ST CECILIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ames | 17.4 mi | 7.2 |
| Northwood Pre-School Ames | 17.4 mi | 4.0 |
| Webster City High School Webster City | 15.1 mi | 5.9 |
| Fellows Elementary School Ames | 17.9 mi | 7.1 |
| Ames High School Ames | 18.1 mi | 5.9 |
| Meeker Elementary School Ames | 18.1 mi | 7.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50130 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$69,934
Median Home Value
$143,100
Median Rent
$840/mo
Population
1,517
College Educated
26%
Homeownership
84.9%
Poverty Rate
8.8%
Median Age
38.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding South Hamilton Middle and High School has a median household income of $69,934. It is an area where 26% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $143,100, with a median rent of $840/month. The local poverty rate of 8.8% is relatively low. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cascade Junior-Senior High School Cascade, IA | 6.0 |
| Central Lyon Secondary School Rock Rapids, IA | 6.0 |
| Central Springs High School Manly, IA | 6.0 |
| Lisbon Secondary Lisbon, IA | 6.0 |
| Louisa-Muscatine JR/SR High School Letts, IA | 6.0 |
| Mid City High Davenport, IA | 6.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Hamilton Middle and High School
What grades does South Hamilton Middle and High School serve?
South Hamilton Middle and High School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.
How many students attend South Hamilton Middle and High School?
South Hamilton Middle and High School has an enrollment of approximately 315 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at South Hamilton Middle and High School?
The student-teacher ratio at South Hamilton Middle and High School is 13.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does South Hamilton Middle and High School rank in IA?
South Hamilton Middle and High School is ranked #807 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is South Hamilton Middle and High School's MySchoolScout rating?
South Hamilton Middle and High School has a composite rating of 6.0 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 South Hamilton Middle and High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, South Hamilton Middle and High School has 77.0% math proficiency and 85.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is South Hamilton Middle and High School a charter school?
No, South Hamilton Middle and High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is South Hamilton Middle and High School a Title I school?
No, South Hamilton Middle and High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Hamilton Middle and High School?
26.0% of students at South Hamilton Middle and 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
- County Safety
- Low (222/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 315
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 23
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 26.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Hamilton County
- Phone
- (515) 827-5418
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
South Hamilton Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 670
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,459
- District Rank
- #2 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 methodologyRelated reading
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