Excellent
#65 of 1,280 schools in IA
Top 5% in state
South Winneshiek Middle School
Middle School · South Winneshiek Comm School District
PO BOX 298 208 E Brooks St, Ossian, IA 52161
Enrollment
130
Student-Teacher
13:1
Score
8.7
Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
130
Student-Teacher
13:1
Score
8.7
Grades
5th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#65 of 1,280
In Ossian
#1 of 2
public schools
In district
#1 of 3
South Winneshiek Comm School District
School environment
9.8 / 10
Excellent
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South Winneshiek Middle School
Middle School in Ossian · grades 5th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
South Winneshiek Elementary School
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
South Winneshiek High School
5.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About South Winneshiek Middle School
South Winneshiek Middle School is a public middle school in Ossian, IA, part of South Winneshiek Comm School District. South Winneshiek Middle School serves approximately 130 students, and covers grades 5th-8th, and has a 13:1 student-teacher ratio. South Winneshiek Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.7 out of 10 and ranks #65 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for South Winneshiek Middle School show 79% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 8.7 · Excellent
- IA avg 6.7
What Parents Should Know
At 130 students, South Winneshiek Middle 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 Middle 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
South Winneshiek Middle School — Students at South Winneshiek Middle School score 82% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 77%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
33.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 38 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: 8.2/10.
How South Winneshiek Middle School Compares
See how South Winneshiek Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
PO BOX 298 208 E Brooks St, Ossian, IA 52161
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South Winneshiek Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Decorah Middle School (rated 8.6/10, 11.0 miles away, in nearby Decorah), with a very similar rating. Additionally, North Fayette Valley Middle School (rated 8.2/10, 13.0 miles away, in nearby Elgin), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Ossian, see our Ossian schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| South Winneshiek Elementary School Ossian | 0.0 mi | 8.4 |
| South Winneshiek High School Calmar | 5.9 mi | 8.2 |
| ST BENEDICT SCHOOL Decorah | 10.7 mi | 6.0 |
| CROSSROADS ACADEMY Decorah | 10.9 mi | — |
| Carrie Lee Elementary Decorah | 10.9 mi | 7.3 |
| Decorah Middle School Decorah | 11.0 mi | 8.6 |
| NE IOWA MONTESSORI SCHOOL Decorah | 11.2 mi | 6.6 |
| John Cline Elementary School Decorah | 11.3 mi | 8.1 |
| Decorah High School Decorah | 11.4 mi | 7.6 |
| KINDERHAUS Decorah | 11.5 mi | — |
| North Fayette Valley High School West Union | 12.2 mi | 6.6 |
| West Union Elementary School West Union | 12.5 mi | 7.4 |
| John R Mott Jr/Hi School Postville | 10.4 mi | 6.0 |
| Postville Early Childhood/Ogden St Postville | 10.4 mi | — |
| Postville Early Childhood Preschool/Post St/REC Center Postville | 10.4 mi | — |
| Cora B Darling Elementary Postville | 10.5 mi | 6.1 |
| Valley Elementary School Elgin | 13.0 mi | 8.3 |
| North Fayette Valley Middle School Elgin | 13.0 mi | 8.2 |
| SCENIC VIEW CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Fayette | 16.9 mi | — |
| Turkey Valley Elementary School Jackson Junction | 13.9 mi | 8.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 52161 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$77,250
Median Home Value
$173,500
Median Rent
$715/mo
Population
1,558
College Educated
22.9%
Homeownership
81.4%
Avg Commute
22.2 min
Poverty Rate
12.5%
Median Age
39.2
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Montezuma Junior High School Montezuma, IA | 8.6 |
| North Union Middle School Swea City, IA | 8.6 |
| West Hancock Middle School Kanawha, IA | 8.6 |
| North-Linn Middle School Troy Mills, IA | 8.8 |
| Pierson Middle School Pierson, IA | 8.5 |
| MFL MarMac Middle School Mcgregor, IA | 8.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Winneshiek Middle School
What grades does South Winneshiek Middle School serve?
South Winneshiek Middle School serves students in grades 5th through 8th.
How many students attend South Winneshiek Middle School?
South Winneshiek Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 130 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at South Winneshiek Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at South Winneshiek Middle 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 Middle School rank in IA?
South Winneshiek Middle School ranks #65 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is South Winneshiek Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
South Winneshiek Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.7 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 Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, South Winneshiek Middle School has 79% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is South Winneshiek Middle School a charter school?
No, South Winneshiek Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is South Winneshiek Middle School a Title I school?
No, South Winneshiek Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Winneshiek Middle School?
33.1% of students at South Winneshiek Middle 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 5th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 130
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 10
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 33.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Winneshiek County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 4.6%
- Phone
- (563) 532-9365
Resources & Links
District
South Winneshiek Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 554
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,821
- District Rank
- #1 of 3
Other Schools in This District
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