Serving 92 students in grades 9-12, Alternative School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-29% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 64%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-69% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 92 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 27%
- Graduation Rate: 50-59% (Btm 50% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-69% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥50% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Alternative School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
School Overview
Alternative School's student population of 92 students has grown by 29% over five school years.
The teacher population of 6 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
92 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
6 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Alternative School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,233 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Alternative School is 0.44, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.47. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1062 out of 1233 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
64%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
2%
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
11%
13%
Black
12%
7%
White
73%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
50-59%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
57%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alternative School's ranking?
Alternative School is ranked #1062 out of 1,233 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Alternative School often compared to?
Alternative Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Metro High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% IA state average), while 60-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Alternative School?
The graduation rate of Alternative School is 50-59%, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend Alternative School?
92 students attend Alternative School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Alternative School students are White, 12% of students are Black, 11% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Alternative School?
Alternative School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Alternative School offer ?
Alternative School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Alternative School part of?
Alternative School is part of Mason City Comm School District.
School Reviews
Review Alternative School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don鈥檛 offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.
