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Average

#857 of 1,280 schools in IA

Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School

High School · Twin Cedars Comm School District

2204 Highway G71, Bussey, IA 50044

Enrollment

159

Student-Teacher

10.6:1

Score

5.7

Grades

7th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#857 of 1,280

In Bussey

#1 of 2

public schools

In district

#1 of 2

Twin Cedars Comm School District

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Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School

5.7/10

High School in Bussey · grades 7th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Twin Cedars Elementary School

4.9/10

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 Jr-sr High School

Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School is a public high school in Bussey, IA, part of Twin Cedars Comm School District. Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School serves approximately 159 students, and covers grades 7th-12th, and has a 10.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 out of 10 and ranks #857 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School show 63% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 70% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.3 pts below IA schools
  • This school 5.7 · Average
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

At 159 students, Twin Cedars Jr-sr High 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 Jr-sr 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.

34% of students at Twin Cedars Jr-sr 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 Progress3.1Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.54 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.3Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency58.8% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency74.6% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-13.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-1.2 pts
Overall Proficiency67% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)66% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+0.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile34th
College Readiness8.1Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate80%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment5.8Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio10.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,235
Chronic Absenteeism34%

Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School — Students at Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School score 67% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 66%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

52.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 63.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
69.9% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 69.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
75.9% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 40 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
82%
2011
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2012
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2013
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2015
Math
67%
ELA
62%
2016
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2017
Math
67%
ELA
67%
2018
Math
47%
ELA
62%
2019
Math
47%
ELA
62%
2020*
Math
47%
ELA
57%
2021*
Math
47%
ELA
57%
2022
Math
52%
ELA
62%
2025
Math
58.8%
ELA
74.6%

* 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: 3.1/10.

How Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School Compares

See how Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.7/10
33th percentile in IA
Academic
5.3/10
Average
Growth
3.1/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
5.8/10
Average
Sports
2
1 boys' · 1 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
53%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
15 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
34.0%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics2sports offered
1 boys'·1 girls'·2 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 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

2204 Highway G71, Bussey, IA 50044

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Pella High School (rated 7.2/10, 12.7 miles away, in nearby Pella), which scores notably higher. Another option is Albia High School (rated 7.0/10, 14.5 miles away, in nearby Albia), which scores notably higher. Additionally, PELLA CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.7/10, 12.2 miles away, in nearby Pella), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Bussey, see our Bussey schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 15.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Twin Cedars Elementary School Bussey 0.1 mi 4.9
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 11.9 mi 4.6
West Elementary Knoxville 11.9 mi 6.1
Knoxville High School Knoxville 11.9 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 14.8 mi 2.9
Grant Center Albia 15.0 mi 7.0
Oskaloosa Elementary School Oskaloosa 14.9 mi 7.4
Oskaloosa Early Childhood Center - PK Oskaloosa 15.1 mi 2.9
Eddyville Elementary Eddyville 15.8 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
IKM-Manning High School Manning, IA 5.7
Lone Tree Middle-Senior High School Lone Tree, IA 5.7
Newell-Fonda High School Newell, IA 5.7
North Iowa High School Buffalo Center, IA 5.7
West Fork High School Sheffield, IA 5.8
West Monona High School Onawa, IA 5.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School

What grades does Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School serve?

Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.

How many students attend Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School?

Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School has an enrollment of approximately 159 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School is 10.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School rank in IA?

Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School ranks #857 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 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 Jr-sr High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School has 63% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 70% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School a charter school?

No, Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School a Title I school?

No, Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School?

52.8% of students at Twin Cedars Jr-sr 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
4 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
25 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
159
Student-Teacher Ratio
10.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
15
Free/Reduced Lunch
52.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Marion County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
34.0%
4-Year Graduation
80%+

District

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

Other Schools in This District

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