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Average

#909 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

5.4

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#909 of 1,280

In West Branch

#2 of 3

public schools

In district

#2 of 3

West Branch Comm School District

School environment

8.0 / 10

Excellent

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West Branch High School

5.4/10

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

West Branch Middle School

7.2/10

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

Hoover Elementary School

4.3/10

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

About West Branch High School

West Branch High School is a public high school in West Branch, IA, part of West Branch Comm School District. West Branch High School serves approximately 257 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 12.8:1 student-teacher ratio. West Branch High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.4 out of 10 and ranks #909 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for West Branch High School show 77% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 81% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.6 pts below IA schools
  • This school 5.4 · Average
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

West Branch 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.7Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.07 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.7Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency66.2% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency78.4% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-0.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+1.3 pts
Overall Proficiency72% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)84% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-11.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile29th
College Readiness4.7Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate92%
AP Participation5.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.0Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,125
Chronic Absenteeism16.3%

West Branch High School — Students at West Branch High School score 72% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 84%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

20.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 77.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
67.3% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 80.9% (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
84.5%
ELA
74.5%
2010
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2011
Math
97.5%
ELA
92%
2012
Math
87%
ELA
87%
2013
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2014
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2015
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2016
Math
92%
ELA
87%
2017
Math
87%
ELA
82%
2018
Math
64.5%
ELA
67%
2019
Math
64.5%
ELA
67%
2020*
Math
62%
ELA
82%
2021*
Math
62%
ELA
82%
2022
Math
72%
ELA
82%
2025
Math
66.2%
ELA
78.4%

* 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: 4.7/10.

How West Branch High School Compares

See how West Branch High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.4/10
29th percentile in IA
Academic
4.7/10
Below Average
Growth
4.7/10
Below Average
Environment
8.0/10
Excellent
AP Courses
1
State avg: 1.7
Sports
12
6 boys' · 6 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
20%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
20 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
16.3%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
5.8% participation·State avg: 1.7 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics12sports offered
6 boys'·6 girls'·22 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
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

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 4.8/10, 7.4 miles away, in nearby Iowa City), with a comparable rating. Additionally, West Liberty High School (rated 4.0/10, 8.0 miles away, in nearby West Liberty), a more accessible option. For more schools in West Branch, see our West Branch schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 8.0 mi
School Distance Rating
West Branch Middle School West Branch 0.0 mi 7.2
Hoover Elementary School West Branch 0.8 mi 4.3
SCATTERGOOD FRIENDS SCHOOL West Branch 2.8 mi 7.9
Herbert Hoover Elementary School Iowa City 5.6 mi 8.2
Helen Lemme Elementary School Iowa City 6.4 mi 5.8
Robert Lucas Elementary School Iowa City 6.7 mi 5.6
WILLOWWIND SCHOOL Iowa City 6.8 mi 7.1
West Liberty High School West Liberty 8.0 mi 4.0
Southeast Junior High School Iowa City 7.2 mi 5.3
West Liberty Middle School West Liberty 8.4 mi 4.7
REGINA CATHOLIC EDUCATION CENTER Iowa City 7.2 mi 6.5
REGINA CATHOLIC EDUCATION CENTER Iowa City 7.2 mi 6.4
Early Childhood Center West Liberty 8.5 mi 4.4
West Liberty Elementary School West Liberty 8.5 mi 3.7
Iowa City High School Iowa City 7.4 mi 4.8
Elizabeth Tate Alt. High School Iowa City 7.4 mi 2.2
ICCSD PK-12 Online Learning Program Iowa City 7.5 mi 4.0
Grant Wood Elementary School Iowa City 7.8 mi 6.2
Mark Twain Elementary Iowa City 8.0 mi 7.5
Longfellow Elementary School Iowa City 8.0 mi 5.9

Neighborhood 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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Emmetsburg High School Emmetsburg, IA 5.4
Mid City High Davenport, IA 5.4
Moravia High School Moravia, IA 5.5
West Central Valley High School Stuart, IA 5.5
Madrid High School Madrid, IA 5.3
West Sioux High School Hawarden, IA 5.3

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 ranks #909 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is West Branch High School's MySchoolScout rating?

West Branch High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.4 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 West Branch High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, West Branch High School has 77% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 81% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
8 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
37 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
16.3%
4-Year Graduation
92.0%

District

West Branch Comm School District
District Enrollment
864
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,125
District Rank
#2 of 3

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