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Average

#977 of 1,280 schools in IA

South Tama County High School

High School · South Tama County

1715 Harding St, Tama, IA 52339

Enrollment

448

Student-Teacher

16.6:1

Score

5.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#977 of 1,280

In Tama

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

South Tama County

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South Tama County High School

5.1/10

High School in Tama · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

South Tama County Elementary School

5.9/10

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

South Tama County Middle School

6.8/10

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

About South Tama County High School

South Tama County High School is a public high school in Tama, IA, part of South Tama County. South Tama County High School serves approximately 448 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16.6:1 student-teacher ratio. South Tama County High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10 and ranks #977 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for South Tama County High School show 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.9 pts below IA schools
  • This school 5.1 · Average
  • IA avg 6.0

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.4Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.46 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.9Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency53.9% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency65.9% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-12.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-11.2 pts
Overall Proficiency60% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)64% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-4.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile20th
College Readiness8.5Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate92%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.7Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,294
Chronic Absenteeism27%

South Tama County High School — Students at South Tama County High School score 60% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 64%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

56.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 60.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
67.3% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 67.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
74.2% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 35 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
67%
ELA
77%
2010
Math
67%
ELA
77%
2011
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2012
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2013
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2015
Math
72%
ELA
67%
2016
Math
77%
ELA
67%
2017
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2018
Math
52%
ELA
62%
2019
Math
52%
ELA
62%
2020*
Math
44%
ELA
60%
2021*
Math
44%
ELA
60%
2022
Math
35%
ELA
54%
2025
Math
53.9%
ELA
65.9%

* 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: 3.4/10.

How South Tama County High School Compares

See how South Tama County High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.1/10
24th percentile in IA
Academic
3.9/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
Sports
18
9 boys' · 9 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
57%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
27 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
27.0%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics18sports offered
9 boys'·9 girls'·28 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
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

1715 Harding St, Tama, IA 52339

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering South Tama County High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Brooklyn-Guernsey-Malcom Jr-Sr High School (rated 8.5/10, 17.9 miles away, in nearby Brooklyn), which scores notably higher. Another option is Grinnell Community Senior High School (rated 7.2/10, 17.5 miles away, in nearby Grinnell), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Belle Plaine Jr/Sr High School (rated 6.6/10, 17.2 miles away, in nearby Belle Plaine), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Tama, see our Tama schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 17.2 mi
School Distance Rating
South Tama County Elementary School Tama 0.2 mi 5.9
South Tama County Middle School Toledo 1.3 mi 6.8
Meskwaki Settlement School Tama 3.5 mi
GMG Secondary School Garwin 9.4 mi 6.2
East Marshall Senior High School Le Grand 10.3 mi 6.4
East Marshall Middle School Gilman 12.4 mi 5.7
North Tama High School Traer 15.8 mi 5.1
North Tama Elementary Traer 15.8 mi 5.7
Fairview Elementary School Grinnell 17.0 mi 8.0
CENTRAL IOWA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Grinnell 17.0 mi 5.2
Bailey Park Elementary School Grinnell 17.6 mi 8.0
GMG Elementary School Green Mountain 15.3 mi 4.4
Grinnell Community Senior High School Grinnell 17.5 mi 7.2
Brooklyn-Guernsey-Malcom Elementary School Brooklyn 17.9 mi 8.6
Brooklyn-Guernsey-Malcom Jr-Sr High School Brooklyn 17.9 mi 8.5
Davis Elementary School Grinnell 18.1 mi 7.8
Grinnell Community Middle School Grinnell 18.3 mi 7.3
Longfellow Elementary School Belle Plaine 16.9 mi 7.1
J C Hoglan Elementary School Marshalltown 16.7 mi 8.3
Belle Plaine Jr/Sr High School Belle Plaine 17.2 mi 6.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 52339 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$59,522

Median Home Value

$117,500

Median Rent

$729/mo

Population

4,311

College Educated

13.7%

Homeownership

67.6%

Avg Commute

19.8 min

Poverty Rate

21.8%

Median Age

36.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Greene County High School Jefferson, IA 5.1
New London Jr-Sr High School New London, IA 5.1
Spirit Lake High School Spirit Lake, IA 5.1
Keokuk High School Keokuk, IA 5.0
Perry High School Perry, IA 5.0
Alburnett Senior High School Alburnett, IA 5.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about South Tama County High School

What grades does South Tama County High School serve?

South Tama County High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend South Tama County High School?

South Tama County High School has an enrollment of approximately 448 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at South Tama County High School?

The student-teacher ratio at South Tama County High School is 16.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does South Tama County High School rank in IA?

South Tama County High School ranks #977 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is South Tama County High School's MySchoolScout rating?

South Tama County High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 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 Tama County High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, South Tama County High School has 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is South Tama County High School a charter school?

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

Is South Tama County High School a Title I school?

No, South Tama County High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Tama County High School?

56.9% of students at South Tama County 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
29 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
29 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
448
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
27
Free/Reduced Lunch
56.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Town
County
Tama County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
27.0%
4-Year Graduation
92.0%

District

South Tama County
District Enrollment
1,422
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,294
District Rank
#3 of 3

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