Skip to main content

Very Good

#488 of 1,280 schools in IA

Top 38% in state

Western Dubuque High School

High School · Western Dubuque Comm School District

PO BOX 379 302 5th Ave SW, Epworth, IA 52045

Enrollment

897

Student-Teacher

16:1

Score

7.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#488 of 1,280

In Epworth

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#6 of 8

Western Dubuque Comm School District

Equity

8.6 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Western Dubuque 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.

Western Dubuque High School

7.1/10

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

Epworth Elementary School

8.3/10

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

Drexler Middle School

8.2/10

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

About Western Dubuque High School

Western Dubuque High School is a public high school in Epworth, IA, part of Western Dubuque Comm School District. Western Dubuque High School serves approximately 897 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16:1 student-teacher ratio. Western Dubuque High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 out of 10 and ranks #488 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Western Dubuque High School show 84% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 81% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 7.1 · Very Good
  • District avg 7.3
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

Western Dubuque 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 Progress8.4Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-0.15 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics8.5Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency85% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency86.2% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg+18.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+9.1 pts
Overall Proficiency86% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)83% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+2.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile77th
College Readiness6.7Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate99%+
AP Participation10.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.4Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,204
Chronic Absenteeism18.1%

Western Dubuque High School — Students at Western Dubuque High School score 86% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 83%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

21.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 84.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
67.3% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 81.1% (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
82%
ELA
77%
2010
Math
87%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
88%
ELA
83%
2012
Math
87%
ELA
82%
2013
Math
93%
ELA
84%
2014
Math
92%
ELA
72%
2015
Math
83%
ELA
69%
2016
Math
87%
ELA
75%
2017
Math
90%
ELA
83%
2018
Math
80%
ELA
83%
2019
Math
80%
ELA
83%
2020*
Math
79%
ELA
84%
2021*
Math
79%
ELA
84%
2022
Math
72%
ELA
79%
2025
Math
85%
ELA
86.2%

* 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: 8.4/10.

How Western Dubuque High School Compares

See how Western Dubuque High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.1/10
62th percentile in IA
Academic
8.5/10
Excellent
Growth
8.4/10
Excellent
Environment
4.4/10
Below Average
AP Courses
2
State avg: 1.7
Sports
17
8 boys' · 9 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
22%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
56 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
18.1%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
10.4% participation·State avg: 1.7 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics17sports offered
8 boys'·9 girls'·33 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 379 302 5th Ave SW, Epworth, IA 52045

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Western Dubuque High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Cascade Junior-Senior High School (rated 7.5/10, 10.5 miles away, in nearby Cascade), which scores slightly higher. Another option is BECKMAN CATHOLIC JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.5/10, 9.0 miles away, in nearby Dyersville), a more accessible option. Additionally, Hempstead High School (rated 3.7/10, 11.5 miles away, in nearby Dubuque), a more accessible option. For more schools in Epworth, see our Epworth schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Epworth Elementary School Epworth 0.8 mi 8.3
Drexler Middle School Farley 3.0 mi 8.2
Farley Elementary School Farley 3.0 mi 6.9
SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL Farley 3.1 mi 6.1
Peosta Elementary School Peosta 5.2 mi 8.7
SETON CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PEOSTA CENTER Peosta 5.7 mi 4.8
Cascade Elementary School Cascade 10.4 mi 8.6
Cascade Junior-Senior High School Cascade 10.5 mi 7.5
AQUIN CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Cascade 10.6 mi 6.5
LA SALLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Holy Cross 11.3 mi 5.5
BECKMAN CATHOLIC JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL Dyersville 9.0 mi 5.5
ST FRANCIS XAVIER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Dyersville 9.7 mi 6.6
Dyersville Elementary School Dyersville 10.0 mi 6.1
Carver Elementary School Dubuque 10.6 mi 7.4
Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School Dubuque 10.6 mi 7.3
TRI-STATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Asbury 10.9 mi 6.7
Hempstead High School Dubuque 11.5 mi 3.7
John Kennedy Elementary School Dubuque 12.2 mi 6.2
Hoover Elementary School Dubuque 12.2 mi 4.3
Eisenhower Elementary School Dubuque 12.7 mi 6.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 52045 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$83,239

Median Home Value

$248,900

Median Rent

$896/mo

Population

2,872

College Educated

23.4%

Homeownership

79.5%

Poverty Rate

9.5%

Median Age

32.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Denison High School Denison, IA 7.0
Pella High School Pella, IA 7.2
ADM Senior High School Adel, IA 7.3
Ballard High School Huxley, IA 6.7
Liberty High School North Liberty, IA 6.7
Decorah High School Decorah, IA 7.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Western Dubuque High School

What grades does Western Dubuque High School serve?

Western Dubuque High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Western Dubuque High School?

Western Dubuque High School has an enrollment of approximately 897 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Western Dubuque High School?

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

How does Western Dubuque High School rank in IA?

Western Dubuque High School ranks #488 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Western Dubuque High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Western Dubuque High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 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 Western Dubuque High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Western Dubuque High School has 84% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 81% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Western Dubuque High School a charter school?

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

Is Western Dubuque High School a Title I school?

No, Western Dubuque High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Western Dubuque High School?

21.7% of students at Western Dubuque 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
14 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
27 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
897
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
Teachers (FTE)
56
Free/Reduced Lunch
21.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Dubuque County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
18.1%
4-Year Graduation
99%+

District

Western Dubuque Comm School District
District Enrollment
3,749
Schools in District
8
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,204
District Rank
#6 of 8

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.