Average
#677 of 1,280 schools in IA
Spencer High School
High School · Spencer Comm School District
PO BOX 200 800 E 3rd St, Spencer, IA 51301
Enrollment
718
Student-Teacher
17.9:1
Score
6.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
718
Student-Teacher
17.9:1
Score
6.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#677 of 1,280
In Spencer
#3 of 5
public schools
In district
#3 of 5
Spencer Comm School District
Equity
9.0 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Spencer High School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Spencer High School
High School in Spencer · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Spencer Middle School
0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Fairview Park Elementary
0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Spencer High School
Spencer High School is a public high school in Spencer, IA, part of Spencer Comm School District. Spencer High School serves approximately 718 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 17.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Spencer High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 out of 10 and ranks #677 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for Spencer High School show 79% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 82% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.4 · Average
- IA avg 6.0
What Parents Should Know
30% of students at Spencer 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
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Spencer High School — Students at Spencer High School score 82% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 74%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
37.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 35 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: 7.4/10.
How Spencer High School Compares
See how Spencer 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
PO BOX 200 800 E 3rd St, Spencer, IA 51301
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Spencer High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Sioux Central High School (rated 6.3/10, 18.4 miles away, in nearby Sioux Rapids), with a very similar rating. Another option is Ruthven-Ayrshire High School (rated 5.3/10, 11.7 miles away, in nearby Ruthven), a more accessible option. Additionally, Spirit Lake High School (rated 5.1/10, 19.1 miles away, in nearby Spirit Lake), a more accessible option. For more schools in Spencer, see our Spencer schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 17.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Spencer Middle School Spencer | 0.9 mi | 7.8 |
| Fairview Park Elementary Spencer | 0.9 mi | 4.4 |
| IOWA GREAT LAKES LUTHERAN SCHOOL Spencer | 1.2 mi | 6.2 |
| Lincoln Elementary School Spencer | 1.1 mi | 5.8 |
| SACRED HEART SCHOOL Spencer | 1.2 mi | 6.8 |
| Johnson Elementary Spencer | 1.2 mi | 7.9 |
| Clay Central-Everly Elementary Royal | 9.4 mi | 5.1 |
| Okoboji Elementary School Milford | 12.6 mi | 6.6 |
| Okoboji Middle School Milford | 12.6 mi | 7.5 |
| Okoboji High School Milford | 12.8 mi | 4.1 |
| Graettinger-Terril Elementary School Terril | 13.9 mi | 6.9 |
| Ruthven-Ayrshire Elementary School Ruthven | 11.7 mi | 3.4 |
| Ruthven-Ayrshire High School Ruthven | 11.7 mi | 5.3 |
| Sioux Central Middle School Sioux Rapids | 18.4 mi | 6.6 |
| Sioux Central Elementary School Sioux Rapids | 18.4 mi | 7.3 |
| Sioux Central High School Sioux Rapids | 18.4 mi | 6.3 |
| Spirit Lake Elementary School Spirit Lake | 19.0 mi | 7.5 |
| Spirit Lake Middle School Spirit Lake | 19.0 mi | 6.5 |
| Spirit Lake High School Spirit Lake | 19.1 mi | 5.1 |
| Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary School Hartley | 17.9 mi | 7.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 51301 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$61,175
Median Home Value
$180,400
Median Rent
$796/mo
Population
12,402
College Educated
27.5%
Homeownership
69.5%
Avg Commute
17.3 min
Poverty Rate
13%
Median Age
41.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| BISHOP HEELAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Sioux City, IA | 6.4 |
| Center Point-Urbana High School Center Point, IA | 6.4 |
| Sergeant Bluff-Luton Senior High School Sergeant Bluff, IA | 6.4 |
| Waverly-Shell Rock Senior High School Waverly, IA | 6.4 |
| Carroll High School Carroll, IA | 6.5 |
| Crestwood High School Cresco, IA | 6.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Spencer High School
What grades does Spencer High School serve?
Spencer High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Spencer High School?
Spencer High School has an enrollment of approximately 718 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Spencer High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Spencer High School is 17.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Spencer High School rank in IA?
Spencer High School ranks #677 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Spencer High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Spencer High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 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 Spencer High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Spencer High School has 79% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 82% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Spencer High School a charter school?
No, Spencer High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Spencer High School a Title I school?
No, Spencer High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Spencer High School?
37.5% of students at Spencer 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 718
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 40
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 37.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Town
- County
- Clay County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 30.2%
- Phone
- (712) 262-1700
- 4-Year Graduation
- 95%+
Resources & Links
District
Spencer Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 2,267
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,081
- District Rank
- #3 of 5
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.