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Needs Improvement

#1222 of 1,280 schools in IA

Thomas Jefferson High School

High School · Cedar Rapids Comm School District

1243 20th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Enrollment

1,575

Student-Teacher

18.3:1

Score

3.0

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,222 of 1,280

In Cedar Rapids

#36 of 40

public schools

In district

#28 of 31

Cedar Rapids Comm School District

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Thomas Jefferson High School

3.0/10

High School in Cedar Rapids · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Cleveland Elementary School

2.8/10

0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy

4.5/10

0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Thomas Jefferson High School

Thomas Jefferson High School is a public high school in Cedar Rapids, IA, part of Cedar Rapids Comm School District. Thomas Jefferson High School serves approximately 1,575 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 18.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Thomas Jefferson High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.0 out of 10 and ranks #1,222 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Thomas Jefferson High School show 62% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.9 pts below district
  • This school 3.0 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 3.9
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

46% of students at Thomas Jefferson 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 metrics
Student Progress2.0Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.04 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.4Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency48.5% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency63.7% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-18 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-13.4 pts
Overall Proficiency56% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)62% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-6.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile16th
College Readiness4.0Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate82%
AP Participation15.2%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.3Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,623
Chronic Absenteeism45.8%

Thomas Jefferson High School — Students at Thomas Jefferson High School score 56% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 62%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

59.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 61.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
67.3% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 67.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
74.2% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 35 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
71%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
79%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
78%
ELA
78%
2012
Math
79%
ELA
75%
2013
Math
74%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
71%
ELA
68%
2015
Math
75%
ELA
74%
2016
Math
70%
ELA
65%
2017
Math
65%
ELA
59%
2018
Math
59%
ELA
65%
2019
Math
59%
ELA
65%
2020*
Math
41%
ELA
62%
2021*
Math
41%
ELA
62%
2022
Math
38%
ELA
55%
2025
Math
48.5%
ELA
63.7%

* 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: 2.0/10.

How Thomas Jefferson High School Compares

See how Thomas Jefferson High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.0/10
5th percentile in IA
Academic
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
2.0/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
2.3/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
2
State avg: 1.7
Sports
22
11 boys' · 11 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
60%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
86 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
45.8%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
15.2% participation·State avg: 1.7 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics22sports offered
11 boys'·11 girls'·64 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1243 20th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Thomas Jefferson High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. LASALLE CATHOLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 8.0/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is LASALLE CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.5/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Taft Middle School (rated 6.7/10, 2.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Cedar Rapids, see our Cedar Rapids schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Cleveland Elementary School Cedar Rapids 0.5 mi 2.8
Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy Cedar Rapids 0.9 mi 4.5
Van Buren Elementary School Cedar Rapids 1.0 mi 3.4
Cedar River Academy at Taylor Cedar Rapids 1.0 mi 3.7
LASALLE CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Cedar Rapids 1.1 mi 7.5
LASALLE CATHOLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL Cedar Rapids 1.1 mi 8.0
Harrison Elementary School Cedar Rapids 1.5 mi 3.5
Madison Elementary School Cedar Rapids 1.6 mi 4.8
Hoover Elementary School Cedar Rapids 1.4 mi 5.4
Maple Grove Elementary Cedar Rapids 1.9 mi 6.3
Wilson Middle School Cedar Rapids 1.7 mi 3.8
Grant Elementary School Cedar Rapids 1.9 mi 2.8
Cedar Rapids Virtual Academy Middle Cedar Rapids 2.7 mi 4.0
Cedar Rapids Virtual Academy Elementary Cedar Rapids 2.7 mi
Truman Early Learning Center Cedar Rapids 2.3 mi
Taft Middle School Cedar Rapids 2.3 mi 6.7
Metro High School Cedar Rapids 2.4 mi 3.7
McKinley STEAM Academy Cedar Rapids 2.5 mi 4.3
ISAAC NEWTON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Cedar Rapids 3.1 mi 6.2
Garfield Elementary School Cedar Rapids 3.2 mi 2.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 52404 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$62,304

Median Home Value

$159,700

Median Rent

$885/mo

Population

42,582

College Educated

22.5%

Homeownership

67.4%

Avg Commute

18.6 min

Poverty Rate

12.5%

Median Age

33.7

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
North High School Sioux City, IA 3.0
Fort Dodge High School Fort Dodge, IA 2.9
Thomas Jefferson High School Council Bluffs, IA 2.9
West High School Sioux City, IA 3.2
North High School Davenport, IA 3.4
West High School Davenport, IA 3.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Thomas Jefferson High School

What grades does Thomas Jefferson High School serve?

Thomas Jefferson High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Thomas Jefferson High School?

Thomas Jefferson High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,575 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Thomas Jefferson High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Thomas Jefferson High School is 18.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Thomas Jefferson High School rank in IA?

Thomas Jefferson High School ranks #1,222 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Thomas Jefferson High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Thomas Jefferson High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.0 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 Thomas Jefferson High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Thomas Jefferson High School has 62% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Thomas Jefferson High School a charter school?

No, Thomas Jefferson High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Thomas Jefferson High School a Title I school?

No, Thomas Jefferson High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Thomas Jefferson High School?

59.7% of students at Thomas Jefferson 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
47 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
24 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
43 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,575
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
86
Free/Reduced Lunch
59.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Linn County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
45.8%
4-Year Graduation
82.0%

District

Cedar Rapids Comm School District
District Enrollment
15,589
Schools in District
34
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,623
District Rank
#28 of 31

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