Average
#654 of 1,280 schools in IA
West Branch High School
High School · West Branch Comm School District
900 W Main, West Branch, IA 52358
Enrollment
257
Student-Teacher
12.8:1
Score
6.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
257
Student-Teacher
12.8:1
Score
6.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In West Branch
#2 of 3
public schools
Iowa high schools
#129 of 334
In district
#2 of 3
West Branch Comm School District
School environment
7.7 / 10
Very strong
About West Branch High School
West Branch High School serves 257 students in grades 9-12 in the small town of West Branch, Iowa. With a student-teacher ratio of 12.8:1 and 20 full-time equivalent teachers, the school provides a close-knit learning environment where students receive individualized attention. Academically, West Branch High School demonstrates solid performance with a MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 out of 10 and ranks 226th out of 1,288 high schools statewide, placing it in the 82nd percentile.
Students show strong literacy skills with 82% achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and Reading, while 72% meet or exceed proficiency standards in mathematics. The school draws from a stable community where the median household income is $76,398 and median home values reach $210,000. With a poverty rate of just 9.4%, families in the area maintain economic stability, though 25% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, reflecting a mix of educational backgrounds in this ZIP code of 4,096 residents.
West Branch High School sits in a rural setting near town, offering students the benefits of small-town community life while maintaining access to quality educational opportunities in Cedar County.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, West Branch 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
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
West Branch High School — Students at West Branch High School score 77% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 79%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
20.2%
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: 7.5/10.
How West Branch High School Compares
See how West Branch High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 64.5% (2019) to 72% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 67% (2019) to 82% (2022).
Location
900 W Main, West Branch, IA 52358
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering West Branch High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. SCATTERGOOD FRIENDS SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 2.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Iowa City High School (rated 6.7/10, 7.4 miles away, in nearby Iowa City), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Elizabeth Tate Alt. High School (rated 5.1/10, 7.4 miles away, in nearby Iowa City), a more accessible option. For more schools in West Branch, see our West Branch schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 8.0 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 52358 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$81,250
Median Home Value
$235,900
Median Rent
$1,010/mo
Population
3,752
College Educated
30.5%
Homeownership
82.8%
Avg Commute
23.6 min
Poverty Rate
7.9%
Median Age
37.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding West Branch High School has a median household income of $81,250. It is an area where 31% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $235,900, with a median rent of $1,010/month. The local poverty rate of 7.9% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 24 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 |
|---|---|
| Boyden-Hull High School Hull, IA | 6.4 |
| Dunkerton High School Dunkerton, IA | 6.4 |
| Highland High School Riverside, IA | 6.4 |
| West Fork High School Sheffield, IA | 6.4 |
| Akron Westfield Senior High School Akron, IA | 6.5 |
| COLUMBUS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Waterloo, IA | 6.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about West Branch High School
What grades does West Branch High School serve?
West Branch High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend West Branch High School?
West Branch High School has an enrollment of approximately 257 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at West Branch High School?
The student-teacher ratio at West Branch High School is 12.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does West Branch High School rank in IA?
West Branch High School is ranked #654 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is West Branch High School's MySchoolScout rating?
West Branch High School has a composite rating of 6.4 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 West Branch High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, West Branch High School has 66.2% math proficiency and 77.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is West Branch High School a charter school?
No, West Branch High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is West Branch High School a Title I school?
No, West Branch High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Branch High School?
20.2% of students at West Branch 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
- City Safety
- Average (422/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (West Branch). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 257
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 20
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 20.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Cedar County
- Phone
- (319) 643-7216
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
West Branch Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 864
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,125
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
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
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.