West Academy Alternative School

West Academy Alternative School in Newton, Iowa, is a high school for grades 10 through 12 with an enrollment of 65 students. The student-to-teacher ratio is 13:1, making it easy for teachers to give individual attention and support. With five full-time equivalent teachers on staff, West Academy focuses on providing alternative education pathways that cater to diverse learning needs.

West Academy’s MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 out of 10 places the school at the 10th percentile among Iowa's high schools, indicating room for improvement in academic performance. The academic score is 1.0 out of 10, and proficiency rates are below average with only 34% proficient or above in ELA/Reading and 20% proficient or above in Math. Despite the lower test scores, West Academy offers a supportive environment where students can find their footing academically and personally.

The school is situated in the heart of Newton, offering its students access to community resources while providing a nurturing educational experience tailored for those seeking an alternative high school setting.

With an enrollment of 65 students, West Academy Alternative School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

While current test scores at West Academy Alternative School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.