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Below Average

#1011 of 1,280 schools in IA

Twin Cedars Elementary School

Elementary School · Twin Cedars Comm School District

2204 Highway G71, Bussey, IA 50044

Enrollment

179

Student-Teacher

17.9:1

Score

4.9

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,011 of 1,280

In Bussey

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 2

Twin Cedars Comm School District

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Twin Cedars Elementary School

4.9/10

Elementary School in Bussey · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School

5.7/10

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

Pella Christian High School

5.7/10

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

About Twin Cedars Elementary School

Twin Cedars Elementary School is a public elementary school in Bussey, IA, part of Twin Cedars Comm School District. Twin Cedars Elementary School serves approximately 179 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 17.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Twin Cedars Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,011 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Twin Cedars Elementary School show 68% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.6 pts below IA schools
  • This school 4.9 · Below Average
  • IA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

At 179 students, Twin Cedars Elementary 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.

Twin Cedars Elementary 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 metrics
Student Progress4.4Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.14 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics6.6Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency69.2% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency75% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-7.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+5.9 pts
Overall Proficiency72% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)67% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+4.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile51th
Resources & Environment3.4Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,235
Chronic Absenteeism18.4%

Twin Cedars Elementary School — Students at Twin Cedars Elementary School score 72% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 67%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

50.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 68.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
74.1% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 69.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
72.6% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 37 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2010
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2011
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2012
Math
72%
ELA
62%
2013
Math
77%
ELA
77%
2014
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2015
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2016
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2017
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2018
Math
67%
ELA
42%
2019
Math
67%
ELA
42%
2020*
Math
52%
ELA
67%
2021*
Math
52%
ELA
67%
2022
Math
47%
ELA
67%
2025
Math
69.2%
ELA
75%

* 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: 4.4/10.

How Twin Cedars Elementary School Compares

See how Twin Cedars Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.9/10
21th percentile in IA
Academic
6.6/10
Average
Growth
4.4/10
Below Average
Environment
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
50%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
10 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
18.4%

Programs & Offerings

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

2204 Highway G71, Bussey, IA 50044

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Twin Cedars Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Lincoln Center (rated 8.2/10, 14.5 miles away, in nearby Albia), which scores notably higher. Another option is Eddyville Elementary (rated 7.9/10, 15.7 miles away, in nearby Eddyville), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Oskaloosa Elementary School (rated 7.4/10, 14.8 miles away, in nearby Oskaloosa), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Bussey, see our Bussey schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 15.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Twin Cedars Jr-Sr High School Bussey 0.1 mi 5.7
PELLA CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Pella 12.2 mi 5.7
Pella High School Pella 12.7 mi 7.2
Madison Elementary School Pella 12.8 mi 7.1
PELLA CHRISTIAN GRADE SCHOOL Pella 13.0 mi 7.2
Pella Middle School Pella 13.0 mi 8.2
Jefferson Intermediate Pella 13.1 mi 7.7
Lincoln Elementary School Pella 13.4 mi 6.9
Northstar Elementary School Knoxville 12.0 mi 4.6
West Elementary Knoxville 12.0 mi 6.1
Knoxville High School Knoxville 12.0 mi 5.2
Knoxville Middle School Knoxville 12.0 mi 6.1
Lincoln Center Albia 14.5 mi 8.2
Albia Middle School Albia 14.5 mi 7.2
Albia High School Albia 14.5 mi 7.0
Kendall Center Albia 14.7 mi 2.9
Grant Center Albia 14.9 mi 7.0
Oskaloosa Elementary School Oskaloosa 14.8 mi 7.4
Oskaloosa Early Childhood Center - PK Oskaloosa 15.0 mi 2.9
Eddyville Elementary Eddyville 15.7 mi 7.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50044 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$75,568

Median Home Value

$115,100

Median Rent

$539/mo

Population

948

College Educated

12.2%

Homeownership

86%

Avg Commute

32.6 min

Poverty Rate

8.5%

Median Age

43

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Keystone Elementary School Keystone, IA 4.9
James Elementary School Ottumwa, IA 5.0
ST JOSEPH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Des Moines, IA 5.0
ST MARY SCHOOL Manchester, IA 5.0
Laurens-Marathon Elementary School Laurens, IA 4.8
Madison Elementary School Cedar Rapids, IA 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Twin Cedars Elementary School

What grades does Twin Cedars Elementary School serve?

Twin Cedars Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.

How many students attend Twin Cedars Elementary School?

Twin Cedars Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 179 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Twin Cedars Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Twin Cedars Elementary 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 Twin Cedars Elementary School rank in IA?

Twin Cedars Elementary School ranks #1,011 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Twin Cedars Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Twin Cedars Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 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 Twin Cedars Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Twin Cedars Elementary School has 68% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Twin Cedars Elementary School a charter school?

No, Twin Cedars Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Twin Cedars Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Twin Cedars Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Twin Cedars Elementary School?

50.3% of students at Twin Cedars Elementary 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
4 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
23 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
179
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
10
Free/Reduced Lunch
50.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Marion County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
18.4%

District

Twin Cedars Comm School District
District Enrollment
338
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,235
District Rank
#2 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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