Average
#777 of 1,280 schools in IA
Taft Middle School
Middle School · Cedar Rapids Comm School District
5200 E Av NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
Enrollment
596
Student-Teacher
14.9:1
Score
6.0
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
596
Student-Teacher
14.9:1
Score
6.0
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Cedar Rapids
#21 of 40
public schools
Iowa middle schools
#167 of 248
In district
#14 of 31
Cedar Rapids Comm School District
School environment
7.0 / 10
Strong
About Taft Middle School
Taft Middle School is a regular public middle school located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, within Linn County. The school serves students from sixth through eighth grade and has an enrollment of 596 students with a student-teacher ratio of 14.9:1. Taft Middle School boasts 40 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to educating its diverse student body.
The academic performance at Taft Middle School reflects areas for continued improvement, as indicated by the MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10 and a state ranking of #693 out of 1288 schools in Iowa (46th percentile). Students are doing well in English Language Arts with 74% scoring proficient or above, while math proficiency is at 67% and science proficiency stands at 66%. Despite the current ratings, Taft Middle School continues to focus on student development and academic growth.
Taft Middle School is situated within a mid-size city setting, providing students with opportunities to engage in community activities and cultural events. The school's location offers a vibrant environment that complements its educational programs, fostering a supportive and enriching experience for all students.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Taft Middle School — Students at Taft Middle School score 66% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 68%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
40.1%
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: 5.6/10.
How Taft Middle School Compares
See how Taft Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 71% (2019) to 63% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 78% (2019) to 70% (2022).
Location
5200 E Av NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Taft Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. LASALLE CATHOLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 8.0/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy (rated 6.6/10, 2.5 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Cedar Rapids Virtual Academy Middle (rated 4.8/10, 2.2 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Cedar Rapids, see our Cedar Rapids schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.3 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 52405 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$65,352
Median Home Value
$173,600
Median Rent
$1,043/mo
Population
25,889
College Educated
24.6%
Homeownership
73.6%
Avg Commute
18.5 min
Poverty Rate
12.9%
Median Age
40.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Taft Middle School has a median household income of $65,352. It is an area where 25% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $173,600, with a median rent of $1,043/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.9%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Jefferson Intermediate Pella, IA | 6.0 |
| Meredith Middle School Des Moines, IA | 6.0 |
| Merrill Middle School Des Moines, IA | 6.0 |
| Spencer Middle School Spencer, IA | 5.9 |
| Vernon Middle School Marion, IA | 6.1 |
| Dallas Center-Grimes Middle School Grimes, IA | 5.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Taft Middle School
What grades does Taft Middle School serve?
Taft Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Taft Middle School?
Taft Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 596 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Taft Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Taft Middle School is 14.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Taft Middle School rank in IA?
Taft Middle School is ranked #777 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Taft Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Taft Middle School has a composite rating of 6.0 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 Taft Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Taft Middle School has 67.4% math proficiency and 74.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Taft Middle School a charter school?
No, Taft Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Taft Middle School a Title I school?
No, Taft Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Taft Middle School?
40.1% of students at Taft 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
- City Safety
- High (2,957/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Cedar Rapids). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 596
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 40
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 40.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Linn County
- Phone
- (319) 558-2243
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Cedar Rapids Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 15,589
- Schools in District
- 34
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,623
- District Rank
- #14 of 31
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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