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Average

#679 of 1,280 schools in IA

Wapello Senior High School

High School · Wapello Comm School District

501 Buchanan St, Wapello, IA 52653

Enrollment

179

Student-Teacher

11.9:1

Score

6.4

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#679 of 1,280

In Wapello

#1 of 3

public schools

In district

#1 of 3

Wapello Comm School District

School environment

7.4 / 10

Very Good

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Wapello Senior High School

6.4/10

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

Wapello Junior High School

6.0/10

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

Wapello Elementary School

5.5/10

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

About Wapello Senior High School

Wapello Senior High School is a public high school in Wapello, IA, part of Wapello Comm School District. Wapello Senior High School serves approximately 179 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 11.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Wapello Senior High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 out of 10 and ranks #679 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Wapello Senior High School show 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 70% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.4 pts above IA schools
  • This school 6.4 · Average
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

At 179 students, Wapello Senior 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.

Wapello Senior 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 Wapello Senior 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 Progress4.1Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.21 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.5Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency63.5% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency71.8% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-5.3 pts
Overall Proficiency68% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)73% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-5.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile26th
College Readiness9.1Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment7.4Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,323
Chronic Absenteeism33.5%

Wapello Senior High School — Students at Wapello Senior High School score 68% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 73%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

39.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 64.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
67.3% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 70.3% (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
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2010
Math
74.5%
ELA
84.5%
2011
Math
52%
ELA
72%
2012
Math
62%
ELA
77%
2013
Math
74.5%
ELA
84.5%
2014
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2015
Math
84.5%
ELA
74.5%
2016
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2017
Math
74.5%
ELA
64.5%
2018
Math
54.5%
ELA
64.5%
2019
Math
54.5%
ELA
64.5%
2020*
Math
57%
ELA
57%
2021*
Math
57%
ELA
57%
2022
Math
42%
ELA
57%
2025
Math
63.5%
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: 4.1/10.

How Wapello Senior High School Compares

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

Overall Score
6.4/10
47th percentile in IA
Academic
4.5/10
Below Average
Growth
4.1/10
Below Average
Environment
7.4/10
Very Good
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
40%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
15 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
33.5%

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses5 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

501 Buchanan St, Wapello, IA 52653

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Wapello Senior High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Louisa-Muscatine JR/SR High School (rated 7.3/10, 8.8 miles away, in nearby Letts), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Mediapolis High School (rated 6.5/10, 11.5 miles away, in nearby Mediapolis), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Columbus Community High School (rated 6.5/10, 11.2 miles away, in nearby Columbus Junction), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Wapello, see our Wapello schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 18.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Wapello Junior High School Wapello 0.0 mi 6.0
Wapello Elementary School Wapello 0.4 mi 5.5
Morning Sun Elementary School Morning Sun 6.6 mi 8.4
Louisa-Muscatine JR/SR High School Letts 8.8 mi 7.3
Louisa-Muscatine Elementary Letts 8.8 mi 8.1
Mediapolis Elementary School Mediapolis 11.5 mi 6.1
Mediapolis High School Mediapolis 11.5 mi 6.5
Mediapolis Middle School Mediapolis 11.5 mi 7.6
New Boston Elem School New Boston 10.2 mi 4.7
Columbus Community High School Columbus Junction 11.2 mi 6.5
Columbus Community Junior High School Columbus Junction 11.2 mi 6.8
Roundy Elementary School Columbus Junction 11.3 mi 8.2
Winfield Elementary School Winfield 13.6 mi 6.1
Winfield-Mt Union Jr-Sr High School Winfield 13.6 mi 5.2
Franklin Elementary School Muscatine 17.5 mi 6.5
Susan Clark Junior High Muscatine 18.2 mi 8.5
McKinley Elementary School Muscatine 18.3 mi 3.6
SS MARY AND MATHIAS CATHOLIC SCHOOL Muscatine 18.8 mi 7.4
Muscatine High School Muscatine 18.9 mi 4.8
Jefferson Elementary School Muscatine 18.7 mi 4.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 52653 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$80,990

Median Home Value

$152,400

Median Rent

$799/mo

Population

3,203

College Educated

17.2%

Homeownership

71%

Avg Commute

22.2 min

Poverty Rate

4.9%

Median Age

46.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
East Marshall Senior High School Le Grand, IA 6.4
Guthrie Center High School Guthrie Center, IA 6.4
H-L-V Junior-Senior High School Victor, IA 6.4
Janesville Junior-Senior High School Janesville, IA 6.4
Keota High School Keota, IA 6.4
COLUMBUS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Waterloo, IA 6.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Wapello Senior High School

What grades does Wapello Senior High School serve?

Wapello Senior High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Wapello Senior High School?

Wapello Senior High School has an enrollment of approximately 179 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Wapello Senior High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Wapello Senior High School is 11.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Wapello Senior High School rank in IA?

Wapello Senior High School ranks #679 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Wapello Senior High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Wapello Senior High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 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 Wapello Senior High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Wapello Senior High School has 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 70% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Wapello Senior High School a charter school?

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

Is Wapello Senior High School a Title I school?

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

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

39.7% of students at Wapello Senior 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
56 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
44 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
179
Student-Teacher Ratio
11.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
15
Free/Reduced Lunch
39.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Louisa County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
33.5%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

Wapello Comm School District
District Enrollment
509
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,323
District Rank
#1 of 3

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