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Excellent

#175 of 1,280 schools in IA

Top 14% in state

South Winneshiek High School

High School · South Winneshiek Comm School District

PO BOX 430 203 W South St, Calmar, IA 52132

Enrollment

195

Student-Teacher

13:1

Score

8.2

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#175 of 1,280

In district

#3 of 3

South Winneshiek Comm School District

School environment

8.7 / 10

Excellent

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South Winneshiek High School

8.2/10

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

South Winneshiek Elementary School

8.4/10

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

South Winneshiek Middle School

8.7/10

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

About South Winneshiek High School

South Winneshiek High School is a public high school in Calmar, IA, part of South Winneshiek Comm School District. South Winneshiek High School serves approximately 195 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 13:1 student-teacher ratio. South Winneshiek High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.2 out of 10 and ranks #175 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for South Winneshiek High School show 88% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 80% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares2.2 pts above IA schools
  • This school 8.2 · Excellent
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

At 195 students, South Winneshiek High 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 Winneshiek High 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress7.0Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-0.54 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics7.9Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency86.2% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency78.1% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg+19.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+1 pts
Overall Proficiency82% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)80% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+1.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile68th
College Readiness9.1Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.7Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,821
Chronic Absenteeism17.9%

South Winneshiek High School — Students at South Winneshiek High School score 82% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 80%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

26.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 87.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
67.3% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 80.3% (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
92%
ELA
77%
2010
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
87%
ELA
87%
2012
Math
87%
ELA
92%
2013
Math
95%
ELA
74.5%
2014
Math
95%
ELA
84.5%
2015
Math
95%
ELA
84.5%
2016
Math
95%
ELA
84.5%
2017
Math
95%
ELA
84.5%
2018
Math
84.5%
ELA
74.5%
2019
Math
84.5%
ELA
74.5%
2020*
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2021*
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2022
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2025
Math
86.2%
ELA
78.1%

* 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: 7.0/10.

How South Winneshiek High School Compares

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

Overall Score
8.2/10
86th percentile in IA
Academic
7.9/10
Very Good
Growth
7.0/10
Very Good
Environment
8.7/10
Excellent
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
26%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
15 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
17.9%

Programs & Offerings

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

PO BOX 430 203 W South St, Calmar, IA 52132

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering South Winneshiek High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Decorah High School (rated 7.6/10, 9.6 miles away, in nearby Decorah), with a comparable rating. Another option is North Fayette Valley High School (rated 6.6/10, 15.0 miles away, in nearby West Union), a more accessible option. Additionally, Crestwood High School (rated 6.3/10, 17.9 miles away, in nearby Cresco), a more accessible option. For more schools in Calmar, see our Calmar schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 17.9 mi
School Distance Rating
South Winneshiek Elementary School Ossian 5.9 mi 8.4
South Winneshiek Middle School Ossian 5.9 mi 8.7
KINDERHAUS Decorah 9.3 mi
Carrie Lee Elementary Decorah 9.2 mi 7.3
CROSSROADS ACADEMY Decorah 9.1 mi
Decorah Middle School Decorah 9.2 mi 8.6
ST BENEDICT SCHOOL Decorah 9.1 mi 6.0
NE IOWA MONTESSORI SCHOOL Decorah 9.4 mi 6.6
John Cline Elementary School Decorah 9.5 mi 8.1
Decorah High School Decorah 9.6 mi 7.6
Turkey Valley Elementary School Jackson Junction 9.8 mi 8.1
Turkey Valley Jr-Sr High School Jackson Junction 9.8 mi 4.8
North Fayette Valley High School West Union 15.0 mi 6.6
West Union Elementary School West Union 15.2 mi 7.4
TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL Protivin 11.6 mi 5.0
SCENIC VIEW CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Fayette 18.9 mi
Valley Elementary School Elgin 18.0 mi 8.3
North Fayette Valley Middle School Elgin 18.0 mi 8.2
Cresco Early Childhood Development Center Cresco 17.8 mi 3.1
Crestwood High School Cresco 17.9 mi 6.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 52132 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$97,621

Median Home Value

$225,700

Median Rent

$743/mo

Population

1,856

College Educated

23.9%

Homeownership

68.8%

Poverty Rate

6.4%

Median Age

37.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Aplington-Parkersburg High School Parkersburg, IA 8.2
BCLUW High School Conrad, IA 8.2
Coon Rapids-Bayard 6-12 Attendance Center Coon Rapids, IA 8.2
West Harrison Middle School/High School Mondamin, IA 8.2
AHSTW High School Avoca, IA 8.1
Denver Senior High School Denver, IA 8.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about South Winneshiek High School

What grades does South Winneshiek High School serve?

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

How many students attend South Winneshiek High School?

South Winneshiek High School has an enrollment of approximately 195 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at South Winneshiek High School is 13:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does South Winneshiek High School rank in IA?

South Winneshiek High School ranks #175 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is South Winneshiek High School's MySchoolScout rating?

South Winneshiek High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.2 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 Winneshiek High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, South Winneshiek High School has 88% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 80% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is South Winneshiek High School a charter school?

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

Is South Winneshiek High School a Title I school?

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

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

26.2% of students at South Winneshiek 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
37 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
46 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
195
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
Teachers (FTE)
15
Free/Reduced Lunch
26.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Winneshiek County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
17.9%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

South Winneshiek Comm School District
District Enrollment
554
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,821
District Rank
#3 of 3

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