Needs Improvement
#1188 of 1,280 schools in IA
Van Buren Elementary School
Elementary School · Cedar Rapids Comm School District
2525 29th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Enrollment
409
Student-Teacher
14.6:1
Score
3.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
409
Student-Teacher
14.6:1
Score
3.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#1,188 of 1,280
In Cedar Rapids
#35 of 40
public schools
In district
#27 of 31
Cedar Rapids Comm School District
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Van Buren Elementary School
Elementary School in Cedar Rapids · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Thomas Jefferson High School
1.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Lasalle Catholic Elementary School
1.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Van Buren Elementary School
Van Buren Elementary School is a public elementary school in Cedar Rapids, IA, part of Cedar Rapids Comm School District. Van Buren Elementary School serves approximately 409 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 14.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Van Buren Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 out of 10 and ranks #1,188 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for Van Buren Elementary School show 59% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 54% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 3.4 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 4.5
- IA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
34% of students at Van Buren Elementary 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Van Buren Elementary School — Students at Van Buren Elementary School score 46% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
86.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 35 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 2.6/10.
How Van Buren Elementary School Compares
See how Van Buren Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
2525 29th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Van Buren Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. LASALLE CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.5/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Maple Grove Elementary (rated 6.3/10, 2.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Hoover Elementary School (rated 5.4/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Cedar Rapids, see our Cedar Rapids schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.4 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 52404 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$62,304
Median Home Value
$159,700
Median Rent
$885/mo
Population
42,582
College Educated
22.5%
Homeownership
67.4%
Avg Commute
18.6 min
Poverty Rate
12.5%
Median Age
33.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Jefferson Elementary School Des Moines, IA | 3.4 |
| Stowe Elementary School Des Moines, IA | 3.4 |
| Black Hawk Elementary School Burlington, IA | 3.5 |
| Duncombe Elementary School Fort Dodge, IA | 3.3 |
| Harrison Elementary School Cedar Rapids, IA | 3.5 |
| Hayes Elementary School Davenport, IA | 3.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Van Buren Elementary School
What grades does Van Buren Elementary School serve?
Van Buren Elementary School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend Van Buren Elementary School?
Van Buren Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 409 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Van Buren Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Van Buren Elementary School is 14.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Van Buren Elementary School rank in IA?
Van Buren Elementary School ranks #1,188 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Van Buren Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Van Buren Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 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 Buren Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Van Buren Elementary School has 59% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 54% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Van Buren Elementary School a charter school?
No, Van Buren Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Van Buren Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Van Buren Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Van Buren Elementary School?
86.3% of students at Van Buren 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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 409
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 28
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 86.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Linn County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 33.5%
- Phone
- (319) 558-2377
Resources & Links
District
Cedar Rapids Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 15,589
- Schools in District
- 34
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,623
- District Rank
- #27 of 31
Other Schools in This District
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