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Excellent

#73 of 1,280 schools in IA

Top 6% in state

West Hancock Middle School

Middle School · West Hancock Comm School District

PO BOX 130 423 E 5th St, Kanawha, IA 50447

Enrollment

168

Student-Teacher

12.9:1

Score

8.6

Grades

5th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#73 of 1,280

In district

#2 of 3

West Hancock Comm School District

Academic growth

9.7 / 10

Excellent

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West Hancock Middle School

8.6/10

Middle School in Kanawha · grades 5th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

West Hancock Elementary School

8.5/10

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

West Hancock High School

8.9/10

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

About West Hancock Middle School

West Hancock Middle School is a public middle school in Kanawha, IA, part of West Hancock Comm School District. West Hancock Middle School serves approximately 168 students, and covers grades 5th-8th, and has a 12.9:1 student-teacher ratio. West Hancock Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.6 out of 10 and ranks #73 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for West Hancock Middle School show 81% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 76% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.9 pts above IA schools
  • This school 8.6 · Excellent
  • IA avg 6.7

What Parents Should Know

At 168 students, West Hancock Middle 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 Hancock Middle 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 · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress9.7Excellent40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change+0.5 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics8.4Excellent35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency79.2% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency79.6% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg+7.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+8.9 pts
Overall Proficiency79% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)69% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+10.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile76th
Resources & Environment7.3Very Good25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,275
Chronic Absenteeism20.2%

West Hancock Middle School — Students at West Hancock Middle School score 79% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 69%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

47.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 80.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
73.1% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 75.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
75.3% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 38 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
77%
ELA
67%
2010
Math
72%
ELA
67%
2011
Math
72%
ELA
62%
2012
Math
82%
ELA
72%
2013
Math
87%
ELA
77%
2014
Math
87%
ELA
77%
2015
Math
92%
ELA
82%
2016
Math
87%
ELA
82%
2017
Math
87%
ELA
77%
2018
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2019
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2020*
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2021*
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2022
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2025
Math
79.2%
ELA
79.6%

* 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: 9.7/10.

How West Hancock Middle School Compares

See how West Hancock Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.6/10
94th percentile in IA
Academic
8.4/10
Excellent
Growth
9.7/10
Excellent
Environment
7.3/10
Very Good
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
48%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
13 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
20.2%

Programs & Offerings

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 130 423 E 5th St, Kanawha, IA 50447

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering West Hancock Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Forest City Middle School (rated 8.8/10, 23.8 miles away, in nearby Forest City), with a very similar rating. Another option is Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Middle School (rated 8.2/10, 14.1 miles away, in nearby Garner), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Middle School (rated 7.0/10, 14.2 miles away, in nearby Clarion), a more accessible option. For more schools in Kanawha, see our Kanawha schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 23.6 mi
School Distance Rating
West Hancock Elementary School Britt 10.8 mi 8.5
West Hancock High School Britt 10.9 mi 8.9
Belmond-Klemme Alternative School Belmond 10.8 mi
Richard O. Jacobson Elementary School Belmond 10.9 mi 4.1
Belmond-Klemme Community Jr-Sr High School Belmond 11.1 mi 7.7
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Middle School Clarion 14.2 mi 7.0
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Elementary School Clarion 14.3 mi 4.8
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows High School Clarion 14.2 mi 6.4
Garner-Hayfield-Ventura High School Garner 13.8 mi 8.1
Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Elementary School Garner 14.1 mi 8.2
Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Middle School Garner 14.1 mi 8.2
Eagle Grove High School Eagle Grove 19.7 mi 4.6
Eagle Grove Elementary Eagle Grove 19.7 mi 3.9
Robert Blue School Eagle Grove 19.7 mi 3.7
Forest City Elementary School Forest City 23.6 mi 6.9
Forest City High School Forest City 23.7 mi 7.6
Forest City Middle School Forest City 23.8 mi 8.8
BISHOP GARRIGAN CAMPUS Algona 23.6 mi 6.7
ST PAULS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Latimer 24.2 mi 6.5
Bertha Godfrey Elementary School Algona 23.6 mi 4.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50447 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$69,250

Median Home Value

$82,400

Median Rent

$515/mo

Population

1,079

College Educated

24%

Homeownership

86.4%

Avg Commute

24 min

Poverty Rate

5.8%

Median Age

35

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Montezuma Junior High School Montezuma, IA 8.6
North Union Middle School Swea City, IA 8.6
Union Middle School Dysart, IA 8.6
Pierson Middle School Pierson, IA 8.5
South Winneshiek Middle School Ossian, IA 8.7
North-Linn Middle School Troy Mills, IA 8.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about West Hancock Middle School

What grades does West Hancock Middle School serve?

West Hancock Middle School serves students in grades 5th through 8th.

How many students attend West Hancock Middle School?

West Hancock Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 168 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at West Hancock Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at West Hancock Middle School is 12.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does West Hancock Middle School rank in IA?

West Hancock Middle School ranks #73 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is West Hancock Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

West Hancock Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.6 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 Hancock Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, West Hancock Middle School has 81% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 76% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is West Hancock Middle School a charter school?

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

Is West Hancock Middle School a Title I school?

No, West Hancock Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Hancock Middle School?

47.6% of students at West Hancock Middle 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
39 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
168
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
13
Free/Reduced Lunch
47.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Hancock County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
20.2%

District

West Hancock Comm School District
District Enrollment
628
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,275
District Rank
#2 of 3

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