Very Good
#167 of 1,280 schools in IA
Top 13% in state
West Elementary School
Elementary School · Emmetsburg Comm School District
602 Call St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Enrollment
285
Student-Teacher
57:1
Score
7.8
Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Enrollment
285
Student-Teacher
57:1
Score
7.8
Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Emmetsburg
#2 of 3
public schools
Iowa elementary schools
#122 of 662
In district
#2 of 3
Emmetsburg Comm School District
Equity
9.8 / 10
Exceptional
About West Elementary School
West Elementary School serves 285 students in grades pre-kindergarten through fourth grade in Emmetsburg, Iowa. This regular public school has earned a solid 7.0 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating and ranks impressively at #187 out of 1,288 Iowa elementary schools, placing it in the 86th percentile statewide. The school demonstrates strong academic performance with an 8.9 out of 10 academic score.
Students consistently achieve above-average results, with 75% reaching proficiency or above in English Language Arts and reading, while 72% meet or exceed proficiency standards in mathematics. These scores reflect the school's commitment to providing quality education to its young learners. West Elementary operates with 5 full-time equivalent teachers serving its student body, resulting in a student-teacher ratio of 57:1.
The school's location at 602 Call Street places it at the heart of a community where families have a median household income of $60,000 and median home values of $123,800. About 20% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while 15.1% of families live below the poverty line. The school serves the rural community of Emmetsburg in Palo Alto County, providing early elementary education in Iowa's remote rural landscape where close-knit community values and agricultural heritage shape the educational experience.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at West Elementary School is 57:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Located in a rural area, West Elementary 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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West Elementary School — Students at West Elementary School score 82% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 66%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
44.6%
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: 9.5/10.
How West Elementary School Compares
See how West Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 62% (2019) to 82% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 67% (2019) to 82% (2022).
Location
602 Call St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering West Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. North Union Elementary (rated 9.5/10, 16.4 miles away, in nearby Fenton), which scores notably higher. Another option is Graettinger-Terril Elementary School (rated 9.1/10, 19.7 miles away, in nearby Terril), which scores notably higher. Additionally, EMMETSBURG CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 0.8 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Emmetsburg, see our Emmetsburg schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 26.4 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50536 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$62,404
Median Home Value
$121,300
Median Rent
$599/mo
Population
4,287
College Educated
19.1%
Homeownership
70.8%
Poverty Rate
16.3%
Median Age
43.2
Community Profile
The community surrounding West Elementary School has a median household income of $62,404. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $121,300, with a median rent of $599/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.3%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Clark Elementary School Le Mars, IA | 7.8 |
| Dysart-Geneseo Elementary School Dysart, IA | 7.8 |
| Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Elementary School Garner, IA | 7.8 |
| Nodaway Valley Elementary School Greenfield, IA | 7.8 |
| South Elementary School Leon, IA | 7.8 |
| Sunset Heights Elementary School Webster City, IA | 7.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about West Elementary School
What grades does West Elementary School serve?
West Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 4th.
How many students attend West Elementary School?
West Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 285 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at West Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at West Elementary School is 57:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does West Elementary School rank in IA?
West Elementary School is ranked #167 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is West Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
West Elementary School has a composite rating of 7.8 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 Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, West Elementary School has 76.2% math proficiency and 77.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is West Elementary School a charter school?
No, West Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is West Elementary School a Title I school?
No, West Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Elementary School?
44.6% of students at West 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 4th
- Enrollment
- 285
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 57:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 5
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 44.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Palo Alto County
- Phone
- (712) 852-4485
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Emmetsburg Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 771
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,201
- 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
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