Average
#727 of 1,280 schools in IA
Union High School
High School · Union Comm School District
200 Adams St, La Porte City, IA 50651
Enrollment
315
Student-Teacher
12.1:1
Score
6.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
315
Student-Teacher
12.1:1
Score
6.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In La Porte City
#2 of 2
public schools
Iowa high schools
#148 of 334
In district
#4 of 4
Union Comm School District
Academic growth
9.2 / 10
Exceptional
About Union High School
Union High School in La Porte City, Iowa, is a regular public high school serving students from ninth through twelfth grade. With an enrollment of 315 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12.1:1, the school provides personalized attention to help each student succeed academically and personally. The faculty consists of 26 full-time equivalent teachers who work diligently to support their students.
Union High School’s academic performance is in line with many other schools across Iowa, ranking 52nd percentile statewide. In recent state assessments, 77% of students were proficient or above in English Language Arts and Reading, while 72% met proficiency standards in Math and 68% did so in Science. These scores reflect areas where the school is performing well but also indicate opportunities for continued growth.
The setting of Union High School is rural, providing a close-knit community feel that fosters strong relationships among students and staff. While there isn’t specific neighborhood data available, the school is deeply embedded within its local community in Black Hawk County.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Union High School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Union High School — Students at Union High School score 65% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 76%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
25.7%
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
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.2/10.
How Union High School Compares
See how Union High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 67% (2019) to 65% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 67% (2019) to 65% (2022).
Location
200 Adams St, La Porte City, IA 50651
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Union High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. West High School (rated 7.0/10, 13.3 miles away, in nearby Waterloo), which scores slightly higher. Another option is COLUMBUS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.5/10, 12.7 miles away, in nearby Waterloo), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Expo Alternative Learning Center (rated 5.5/10, 13.8 miles away, in nearby Waterloo), with a comparable rating. For more schools in La Porte City, see our La Porte City schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| La Porte City Elementary School La Porte City | 0.6 mi | 6.4 |
| Poyner Elementary Evansdale | 11.4 mi | 8.0 |
| Bunger Middle School Evansdale | 11.5 mi | 6.6 |
| Dysart-Geneseo Elementary School Dysart | 11.6 mi | 7.8 |
| Union Middle School Dysart | 11.7 mi | 8.4 |
| Orange Elementary School Waterloo | 11.4 mi | 7.9 |
| Kittrell Elementary School Waterloo | 12.9 mi | 8.2 |
| COLUMBUS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Waterloo | 12.7 mi | 6.5 |
| BLESSED MARIA ASSUNTA PALLOTTA MIDDLE SCHOOL Waterloo | 12.7 mi | 7.6 |
| ST ATHANASIUS SCHOOL Jesup | 13.0 mi | 6.0 |
| Highland Elementary School Waterloo | 13.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Expo Alternative Learning Center Waterloo | 13.8 mi | 5.5 |
| Jesup Elementary School Jesup | 13.3 mi | 7.8 |
| Jesup High School Jesup | 13.3 mi | 5.0 |
| Jesup Middle School Jesup | 13.3 mi | 6.3 |
| Lowell Elementary School Waterloo | 13.6 mi | 6.9 |
| West High School Waterloo | 13.3 mi | 7.0 |
| Lou Henry Elementary School Waterloo | 13.3 mi | 7.8 |
| Hoover Middle School Waterloo | 13.3 mi | 6.7 |
| ST EDWARD SCHOOL Waterloo | 13.8 mi | 6.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50651 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$79,647
Median Home Value
$172,600
Median Rent
$838/mo
Population
3,349
College Educated
19%
Homeownership
79.7%
Avg Commute
27 min
Poverty Rate
8.7%
Median Age
37.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Union High School has a median household income of $79,647. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $172,600, with a median rent of $838/month. The local poverty rate of 8.7% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 27 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 |
|---|---|
| BURLINGTON NOTRE DAME JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL Burlington, IA | 6.1 |
| Belle Plaine Jr/Sr High School Belle Plaine, IA | 6.1 |
| Calamus-Wheatland Sec Attendance Center Wheatland, IA | 6.1 |
| Central Lee High School Donnellson, IA | 6.1 |
| Greene County High School Jefferson, IA | 6.1 |
| IKM-Manning High School Manning, IA | 6.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Union High School
What grades does Union High School serve?
Union High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Union High School?
Union High School has an enrollment of approximately 315 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Union High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Union High School is 12.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Union High School rank in IA?
Union High School is ranked #727 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Union High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Union High School has a composite rating of 6.1 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 Union High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Union High School has 72.3% math proficiency and 76.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Union High School a charter school?
No, Union High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Union High School a Title I school?
No, Union High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Union High School?
25.7% of students at Union 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.
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Low (80/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 315
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 26
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 25.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Black Hawk County
- Phone
- (319) 342-2697
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Union Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 985
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,149
- District Rank
- #4 of 4
Other Schools in This District
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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