Very Good
#326 of 1,280 schools in IA
Top 25% 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
7.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
195
Student-Teacher
13:1
Score
7.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa high schools
#55 of 334
In district
#2 of 3
South Winneshiek Comm School District
School environment
8.8 / 10
Exceptional
About South Winneshiek High School
South Winneshiek High School is a regular public high school located in Calmar, Iowa, serving students from ninth through twelfth grade. With an enrollment of 195 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, the school provides personalized attention to help each student reach their full potential. The dedicated staff consists of 15 full-time equivalent teachers who work diligently to ensure that all students excel academically.
South Winneshiek High School has earned an overall MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 out of 10 and is ranked at the 67th percentile among Iowa schools, placing it at number 425 out of 1288 high schools in the state. The school's academic performance in ELA/Reading stands at 77% proficiency or above, while Math and Science scores are even stronger with 83% and 81% proficient or above, respectively. The school is situated in a rural setting, providing students with a close-knit community atmosphere that fosters strong relationships between teachers and students.
South Winneshiek High School offers a supportive environment where each student can thrive both academically and personally amidst the serene backdrop of rural Iowa.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 195 students, South Winneshiek High School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
Located in a rural area, South Winneshiek 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 Winneshiek High School — Students at South Winneshiek High School score 74% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 76%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
26.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 13 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: 6.0/10.
How South Winneshiek High School Compares
See how South Winneshiek High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 84.5% (2019) to 72% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 74.5% (2019) to 77% (2022).
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. North Fayette Valley High School (rated 7.8/10, 15.0 miles away, in nearby West Union), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Crestwood High School (rated 6.3/10, 17.9 miles away, in nearby Cresco), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Decorah High School (rated 6.1/10, 9.6 miles away, in nearby Decorah), 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 | 7.9 |
| South Winneshiek Middle School Ossian | 5.9 mi | 7.0 |
| KINDERHAUS Decorah | 9.3 mi | — |
| Carrie Lee Elementary Decorah | 9.2 mi | 6.0 |
| CROSSROADS ACADEMY Decorah | 9.1 mi | — |
| Decorah Middle School Decorah | 9.2 mi | 8.0 |
| 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 | 7.9 |
| Decorah High School Decorah | 9.6 mi | 6.1 |
| Turkey Valley Elementary School Jackson Junction | 9.8 mi | 9.4 |
| Turkey Valley Jr-Sr High School Jackson Junction | 9.8 mi | 4.9 |
| North Fayette Valley High School West Union | 15.0 mi | 7.8 |
| West Union Elementary School West Union | 15.2 mi | 8.4 |
| TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL Protivin | 11.6 mi | 5.0 |
| SCENIC VIEW CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Fayette | 18.9 mi | — |
| Valley Elementary School Elgin | 18.0 mi | 6.1 |
| North Fayette Valley Middle School Elgin | 18.0 mi | 7.1 |
| Cresco Early Childhood Development Center Cresco | 17.8 mi | 5.6 |
| 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
Community Profile
The community surrounding South Winneshiek High School has a median household income of $97,621. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $225,700, with a median rent of $743/month. The local poverty rate of 6.4% 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 |
|---|---|
| Riceville High School Riceville, IA | 7.3 |
| Twin Cedars Jr-Sr High School Bussey, IA | 7.3 |
| West Monona High School Onawa, IA | 7.3 |
| Fremont-Mills Middle And Senior High School Tabor, IA | 7.2 |
| Keota High School Keota, IA | 7.2 |
| Missouri Valley High School Missouri Valley, IA | 7.2 |
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 is ranked #326 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is South Winneshiek High School's MySchoolScout rating?
South Winneshiek High School has a composite rating of 7.3 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 Winneshiek High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, South Winneshiek High School has 82.9% math proficiency and 77.1% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Neighborhood Context
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
- Phone
- (563) 562-3226
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
South Winneshiek Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 554
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,821
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
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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