Serving 452 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Central Elementary 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 57% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 64%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 61% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 452 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 59%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 57% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 61% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Student Attention
School Overview
Central Elementary School's student population of 452 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
452 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Central Elementary 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 Central Elementary School is 0.72, which is more 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
#965 out of 1233 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
64%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
61%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
6%
3%
Hispanic
15%
13%
Black
30%
7%
White
41%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
48%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
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 Central Elementary School's ranking?
Central Elementary School is ranked #965 out of 1,233 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Central Elementary School often compared to?
Central Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Kirkwood Elementary School, Wickham Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
57% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% IA state average), while 61% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Central Elementary School?
452 students attend Central Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Central Elementary School students are White, 30% of students are Black, 15% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 6% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Central Elementary School?
Central Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Central Elementary School offer ?
Central Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Central Elementary School part of?
Central Elementary School is part of Iowa City Comm School District.
School Reviews
Review Central Elementary 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
43 Fantastic ESL Resources for Students
We've put together this ESL resource guide to help students, from teens to adults, get the help they need to achieve their goals with learning English
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
