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Very Good

#486 of 1,280 schools in IA

Top 38% in state

Underwood High School

High School · Underwood Comm School District

PO BOX 130 629 North Street, Underwood, IA 51576

Enrollment

241

Student-Teacher

14.2:1

Score

7.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#486 of 1,280

In Underwood

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

Underwood Comm School District

Academic growth

8.6 / 10

Excellent

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Underwood High School

7.1/10

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

Underwood Elementary School

8.0/10

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

Underwood Middle School

7.3/10

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

About Underwood High School

Underwood High School is a public high school in Underwood, IA, part of Underwood Comm School District. Underwood High School serves approximately 241 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 14.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Underwood High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 out of 10 and ranks #486 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Underwood High School show 86% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 88% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.1 pts above IA schools
  • This school 7.1 · Very Good
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

Underwood 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.6Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-0.13 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics8.5Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency80.2% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency92.9% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg+13.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+15.8 pts
Overall Proficiency87% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)84% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+2.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile77th
College Readiness5.4Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
AP Participation5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.2Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,420
Chronic Absenteeism19.5%

Underwood High School — Students at Underwood High School score 87% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 84%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

19.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 85.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
67.3% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 87.6% (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

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2010
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2011
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2012
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2013
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2014
Math
97.5%
ELA
92%
2015
Math
97.5%
ELA
82%
2016
Math
92%
ELA
82%
2017
Math
92%
ELA
77%
2018
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2019
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2020*
Math
82%
ELA
92%
2021*
Math
82%
ELA
92%
2022
Math
72%
ELA
92%
2025
Math
80.2%
ELA
92.9%

* 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: 8.6/10.

How Underwood High School Compares

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

Overall Score
7.1/10
62th percentile in IA
Academic
8.5/10
Excellent
Growth
8.6/10
Excellent
Environment
6.2/10
Average
AP Courses
1
State avg: 1.7
Sports
5
2 boys' · 3 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
19%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
17 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
19.5%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
5% participation·State avg: 1.7 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics5sports offered
2 boys'·3 girls'·5 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

PO BOX 130 629 North Street, Underwood, IA 51576

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Underwood High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Treynor High School (rated 8.1/10, 11.7 miles away, in nearby Treynor), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Lewis Central Senior High School (rated 5.6/10, 13.5 miles away, in nearby Council Bluffs), a more accessible option. Additionally, Tri-Center High School (rated 4.8/10, 9.3 miles away, in nearby Neola), a more accessible option. For more schools in Underwood, see our Underwood schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Underwood Elementary School Underwood 0.4 mi 8.0
Underwood Middle School Underwood 0.4 mi 7.3
Tri-Center Middle School Neola 9.3 mi 5.8
Tri-Center Elementary School Neola 9.3 mi 8.4
Tri-Center High School Neola 9.3 mi 4.8
College View Elementary Council Bluffs 10.4 mi 8.5
Treynor High School Treynor 11.7 mi 8.1
Treynor Middle School Treynor 11.7 mi 7.4
Treynor Elementary School Treynor 11.8 mi 8.7
ST ALBERT CATHOLIC Council Bluffs 11.3 mi 5.9
Abraham Lincoln High School Council Bluffs 11.4 mi 3.8
Gerald W Kirn Middle School Council Bluffs 11.1 mi 6.9
Hoover Elementary School Council Bluffs 11.2 mi 6.6
Lewis & Clark Elementary School Council Bluffs 11.1 mi 7.2
ONESCHOOL GLOBAL Council Bluffs 13.0 mi
Titan Hill Intermediate School Council Bluffs 13.4 mi 6.3
Bloomer Elementary School Council Bluffs 12.6 mi 5.4
Lewis Central Middle School Council Bluffs 13.5 mi 7.9
Lewis Central Senior High School Council Bluffs 13.5 mi 5.6
Roosevelt Elementary School Council Bluffs 12.7 mi 5.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 51576 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$107,679

Median Home Value

$291,500

Median Rent

$819/mo

Population

1,890

College Educated

32.3%

Homeownership

90%

Avg Commute

25.7 min

Poverty Rate

2%

Median Age

37.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
South O'Brien Secondary School Paullina, IA 7.1
Woodward-Granger High School Woodward, IA 7.1
Cardinal High School Eldon, IA 7.0
River Valley Junior- Senior High School Correctionville, IA 7.0
Sibley-Ocheyedan High School Sibley, IA 7.0
South Hamilton Middle And High School Jewell, IA 7.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Underwood High School

What grades does Underwood High School serve?

Underwood High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Underwood High School?

Underwood High School has an enrollment of approximately 241 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Underwood High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Underwood High School is 14.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Underwood High School rank in IA?

Underwood High School ranks #486 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Underwood High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Underwood High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 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 Underwood High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Underwood High School has 86% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 88% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Underwood High School a charter school?

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

Is Underwood High School a Title I school?

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

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

19.1% of students at Underwood 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
7 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
24 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
241
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
17
Free/Reduced Lunch
19.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Pottawattamie County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
19.5%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

Underwood Comm School District
District Enrollment
862
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,420
District Rank
#3 of 3

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