Skip to main content

Below Average

#1021 of 1,280 schools in IA

Van Allen Elementary School

Elementary School · Chariton Comm School District

1129 Ashland, Chariton, IA 50049

Enrollment

276

Student-Teacher

15.3:1

Score

4.8

Grades

3rd – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,021 of 1,280

In Chariton

#4 of 4

public schools

In district

#4 of 4

Chariton Comm School District

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Van Allen Elementary School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Van Allen Elementary School

4.8/10

Elementary School in Chariton · grades 3rd – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Chariton High School

6.5/10

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

Chariton Middle School

7.5/10

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

About Van Allen Elementary School

Van Allen Elementary School is a public elementary school in Chariton, IA, part of Chariton Comm School District. Van Allen Elementary School serves approximately 276 students, and covers grades 3rd-5th, and has a 15.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Van Allen Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,021 of 1,280 schools in IA.

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

How it compares0.5 pts below district
  • This school 4.8 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.3
  • IA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Van Allen 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 Progress3.9Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.26 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.9Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency65.9% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency71.8% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-10.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+2.7 pts
Overall Proficiency69% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)66% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+2.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile42th
Resources & Environment5.2Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,128
Chronic Absenteeism21.4%

Van Allen Elementary School — Students at Van Allen Elementary School score 69% 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

52.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 69.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
74.6% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 69.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
72.3% (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
77%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
79%
ELA
79%
2011
Math
80%
ELA
76%
2012
Math
75%
ELA
69%
2013
Math
78%
ELA
75%
2014
Math
70%
ELA
72%
2015
Math
79%
ELA
72%
2016
Math
75%
ELA
66%
2017
Math
73%
ELA
72%
2018
Math
65%
ELA
65%
2019
Math
65%
ELA
65%
2020*
Math
50%
ELA
51%
2021*
Math
50%
ELA
51%
2022
Math
60%
ELA
63%
2025
Math
65.9%
ELA
71.8%

* 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: 3.9/10.

How Van Allen Elementary School Compares

See how Van Allen Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.8/10
20th percentile in IA
Academic
5.9/10
Average
Growth
3.9/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
5.2/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
53%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
18 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
21.4%

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

1129 Ashland, Chariton, IA 50049

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Van Allen Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Mormon Trail Elementary School (rated 7.7/10, 15.3 miles away, in nearby Humeston), which scores notably higher. Another option is Southeast Warren Primary (rated 7.3/10, 19.7 miles away, in nearby Milo), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Pleasantville Elementary (rated 7.0/10, 25.3 miles away, in nearby Pleasantville), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Chariton, see our Chariton schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 25.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Chariton High School Chariton 0.3 mi 6.5
Chariton Middle School Chariton 0.5 mi 7.5
Columbus Elementary School Chariton 0.7 mi 5.8
Southeast Warren Intermediate Lacona 12.4 mi 5.1
Melcher-Dallas High School Melcher 14.1 mi 5.2
Melcher-Dallas Elementary Dallas 15.1 mi 3.2
Mormon Trail Elementary School Humeston 15.3 mi 7.7
Mormon Trail Jr-Sr High School Humeston 15.3 mi 5.5
Southeast Warren Jr-Sr High School Liberty Center 15.8 mi 8.4
Wayne Community Jr-Sr High School Corydon 18.4 mi 8.5
Wayne Elementary School Corydon 18.8 mi 6.3
Southeast Warren Primary Milo 19.7 mi 7.3
Knoxville High School Knoxville 22.5 mi 5.2
Knoxville Middle School Knoxville 22.5 mi 6.1
West Elementary Knoxville 22.6 mi 6.1
Pleasantville High School Pleasantville 25.2 mi 6.3
Pleasantville Middle School Pleasantville 25.2 mi 6.9
Pleasantville Elementary Pleasantville 25.3 mi 7.0
Northstar Elementary School Knoxville 23.7 mi 4.6
Seymour Elementary School Seymour 25.8 mi 4.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50049 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$66,750

Median Home Value

$123,700

Median Rent

$731/mo

Population

6,425

College Educated

15.8%

Homeownership

76.6%

Avg Commute

17.6 min

Poverty Rate

17.5%

Median Age

40.9

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
George Washington Elementary School Keokuk, IA 4.8
Mulberry Elementary School Muscatine, IA 4.8
Neil Armstrong Elementary School Eldridge, IA 4.8
Northeast Hamilton Elementary School Webster City, IA 4.8
SETON CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PEOSTA CENTER Peosta, IA 4.8
ST PIUS X CATHOLIC SCHOOL Urbandale, IA 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Van Allen Elementary School

What grades does Van Allen Elementary School serve?

Van Allen Elementary School serves students in grades 3rd through 5th.

How many students attend Van Allen Elementary School?

Van Allen Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 276 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Van Allen Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Van Allen Elementary School is 15.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Van Allen Elementary School rank in IA?

Van Allen Elementary School ranks #1,021 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Van Allen Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Van Allen Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 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 Van Allen Elementary School?

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

Is Van Allen Elementary School a charter school?

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

Is Van Allen Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Van Allen Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Van Allen Elementary School?

52.9% of students at Van Allen 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
38 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
39 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
3rd – 5th
Enrollment
276
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
18
Free/Reduced Lunch
52.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Lucas County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
21.4%

District

Chariton Comm School District
District Enrollment
1,298
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,128
District Rank
#4 of 4

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.