Average
#958 of 1,280 schools in IA
Southeast Polk High School
High School · Southeast Polk Comm School District
7945 NE University Ave., Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Enrollment
2,294
Student-Teacher
18.2:1
Score
5.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,294
Student-Teacher
18.2:1
Score
5.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#958 of 1,280
In Pleasant Hill
#4 of 4
public schools
In district
#10 of 11
Southeast Polk Comm School District
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Southeast Polk High School
High School in Pleasant Hill · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Spring Creek - 6th Grade
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Southeast Polk Junior High
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Southeast Polk High School
Southeast Polk High School is a public high school in Pleasant Hill, IA, part of Southeast Polk Comm School District. Southeast Polk High School serves approximately 2,294 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 18.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Southeast Polk High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10 and ranks #958 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for Southeast Polk High School show 75% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 76% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 5.2 · Average
- IA avg 6.0
What Parents Should Know
Southeast Polk High School is a large school: 2,294 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.
Southeast Polk 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.
38% of students at Southeast Polk High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Southeast Polk High School — Students at Southeast Polk High School score 72% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 76%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
33.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 33 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: 5.9/10.
How Southeast Polk High School Compares
See how Southeast Polk High 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
7945 NE University Ave., Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Southeast Polk High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Mitchellville Elementary (rated 9.5/10, 6.6 miles away, in nearby Mitchellville), which scores notably higher. Another option is Delaware Elementary (rated 8.9/10, 4.8 miles away, in nearby Des Moines), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Altoona Elementary (rated 8.4/10, 3.6 miles away, in nearby Altoona), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Pleasant Hill, see our Pleasant Hill schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Creek - 6th Grade Pleasant Hill | 0.2 mi | 6.4 |
| Southeast Polk Junior High Pleasant Hill | 0.4 mi | 6.6 |
| Clay Elementary Altoona | 2.0 mi | 5.4 |
| Four Mile Elementary Pleasant Hill | 1.9 mi | 7.5 |
| Centennial Elementary Altoona | 3.1 mi | 8.1 |
| Altoona Elementary Altoona | 3.6 mi | 8.4 |
| Willowbrook Elementary Altoona | 4.1 mi | 4.9 |
| Pleasant Hill Elementary School Des Moines | 3.9 mi | 4.3 |
| Delaware Elementary Des Moines | 4.8 mi | 8.9 |
| Hoyt Middle School Des Moines | 4.7 mi | 3.6 |
| Brubaker Elementary School Des Moines | 4.8 mi | 4.6 |
| McKee Elementary School Des Moines | 4.9 mi | 2.6 |
| Morris Elementary Bondurant | 6.8 mi | 6.8 |
| Anderson Elementary School Bondurant | 6.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Bondurant - Farrar Intermediate School Bondurant | 7.0 mi | 6.8 |
| Stowe Elementary School Des Moines | 5.4 mi | 3.4 |
| ST JOSEPH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Des Moines | 5.5 mi | 5.0 |
| Mitchellville Elementary Mitchellville | 6.6 mi | 9.5 |
| Carlisle Elementary School Carlisle | 7.3 mi | 6.8 |
| Carlisle High School Carlisle | 7.3 mi | 4.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50327 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$90,759
Median Home Value
$303,000
Median Rent
$1,219/mo
Population
12,875
College Educated
32.3%
Homeownership
78.6%
Avg Commute
21.3 min
Poverty Rate
8.7%
Median Age
41.2
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ames High School Ames, IA | 5.2 |
| DOWLING CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL West Des Moines, IA | 5.2 |
| Dubuque Senior High School Dubuque, IA | 5.1 |
| Linn-Mar High School Marion, IA | 5.0 |
| Ankeny Centennial High School Ankeny, IA | 5.5 |
| Northwest High School Waukee, IA | 5.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southeast Polk High School
What grades does Southeast Polk High School serve?
Southeast Polk High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Southeast Polk High School?
Southeast Polk High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,294 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Southeast Polk High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Southeast Polk High School is 18.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Southeast Polk High School rank in IA?
Southeast Polk High School ranks #958 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Southeast Polk High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Southeast Polk High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 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 Southeast Polk High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Southeast Polk High School has 75% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 76% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Southeast Polk High School a charter school?
No, Southeast Polk High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Southeast Polk High School a Title I school?
No, Southeast Polk High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Southeast Polk High School?
33.5% of students at Southeast Polk 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
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,294
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 126
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 33.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Polk County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 37.8%
- Phone
- (515) 967-6631
- 4-Year Graduation
- 94.0%
Resources & Links
District
Southeast Polk Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 7,424
- Schools in District
- 11
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,583
- District Rank
- #10 of 11
Other Schools in This District
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