Skip to main content

Average

#817 of 1,280 schools in IA

West Fork High School

High School · West Fork Comm School District

PO BOX 617 453 N. 5th St., Sheffield, IA 50475

Enrollment

196

Student-Teacher

12.2:1

Score

5.8

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#817 of 1,280

In Sheffield

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 3

West Fork Comm School District

School environment

7.1 / 10

Very Good

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around West Fork High School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

West Fork High School

5.8/10

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

West Fork Middle School

7.1/10

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

West Fork Elementary at Rockwell

5.2/10

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

About West Fork High School

West Fork High School is a public high school in Sheffield, IA, part of West Fork Comm School District. West Fork High School serves approximately 196 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 12.2:1 student-teacher ratio. West Fork High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.8 out of 10 and ranks #817 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for West Fork High School show 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 77% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it comparesOn par with IA schools
  • This school 5.8 · Average
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

At 196 students, West Fork 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.

West Fork 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 Progress2.7Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.71 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.9Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency59.5% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency74.2% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-2.9 pts
Overall Proficiency67% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)79% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-11.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile20th
College Readiness9.1Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment7.1Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,657
Chronic Absenteeism27.6%

West Fork High School — Students at West Fork High School score 67% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 79%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

29.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 70.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
67.3% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 76.7% (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
72%
ELA
77%
2010
Math
84.5%
ELA
74.5%
2011
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2012
Math
95%
ELA
84.5%
2013
Math
87%
ELA
87%
2014
Math
95%
ELA
64.5%
2015
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2016
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2017
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2018
Math
54.5%
ELA
74.5%
2019
Math
54.5%
ELA
74.5%
2020*
Math
52%
ELA
72%
2021*
Math
52%
ELA
72%
2022
Math
52%
ELA
72%
2025
Math
59.5%
ELA
74.2%

* 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: 2.7/10.

How West Fork High School Compares

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

Overall Score
5.8/10
36th percentile in IA
Academic
3.9/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
2.7/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
7.1/10
Very Good
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
30%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
16 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
27.6%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics12sports offered
6 boys'·6 girls'·12 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

PO BOX 617 453 N. 5th St., Sheffield, IA 50475

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering West Fork High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Hampton-Dumont High School (rated 4.9/10, 10.0 miles away, in nearby Hampton), with a comparable rating. Another option is Mason City High School (rated 3.7/10, 17.6 miles away, in nearby Mason City), a more accessible option. Additionally, Mason City Virtual Academy (rated 2.4/10, 16.5 miles away, in nearby Mason City), a more accessible option. For more schools in Sheffield, see our Sheffield schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 18.5 mi
School Distance Rating
West Fork Middle School Sheffield 0.1 mi 7.1
West Fork Elementary at Rockwell Rockwell 6.1 mi 5.2
Hampton-Dumont High School Hampton 10.0 mi 4.9
North Side Elementary School Hampton 10.1 mi 5.7
Hampton-Dumont Middle School Hampton 10.1 mi 5.1
South Side Elementary School Hampton 11.1 mi 5.3
ST PAULS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Latimer 12.0 mi 6.5
CAL Elementary School Latimer 12.7 mi 9.7
NEWMAN CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Mason City 16.3 mi 6.0
NEWMAN CATHOLIC Mason City 16.3 mi 5.4
Lincoln Intermediate Mason City 16.5 mi 6.6
Mason City Virtual Academy Mason City 16.5 mi 2.4
Roosevelt Elementary School Mason City 16.5 mi 6.4
NORTH IOWA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Mason City 17.3 mi 5.6
Jefferson Elementary School Mason City 17.4 mi 8.6
Mason City High School Mason City 17.6 mi 3.7
John Adams Middle School Mason City 17.7 mi 5.2
Alternative School Mason City 17.7 mi 2.2
Hoover Elementary School Mason City 18.0 mi 4.9
Harding Elementary School Mason City 18.5 mi 6.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50475 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$78,333

Median Home Value

$155,600

Median Rent

$648/mo

Population

1,598

College Educated

16.9%

Homeownership

81.8%

Avg Commute

20.5 min

Poverty Rate

13.6%

Median Age

38.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
West Monona High School Onawa, IA 5.8
IKM-Manning High School Manning, IA 5.7
Lone Tree Middle-Senior High School Lone Tree, IA 5.7
Newell-Fonda High School Newell, IA 5.7
North Iowa High School Buffalo Center, IA 5.7
PELLA CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Pella, IA 5.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about West Fork High School

What grades does West Fork High School serve?

West Fork High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend West Fork High School?

West Fork High School has an enrollment of approximately 196 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at West Fork High School?

The student-teacher ratio at West Fork High School is 12.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does West Fork High School rank in IA?

West Fork High School ranks #817 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is West Fork High School's MySchoolScout rating?

West Fork High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.8 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 Fork High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, West Fork High School has 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 77% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is West Fork High School a charter school?

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

Is West Fork High School a Title I school?

No, West Fork High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Fork High School?

29.6% of students at West Fork 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
22 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
37 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
196
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
16
Free/Reduced Lunch
29.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Franklin County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
27.6%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

West Fork Comm School District
District Enrollment
760
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,657
District Rank
#2 of 3

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related 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.