Serving 205 students in grades Prekindergarten-4, Dayton Center ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-74% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 64%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is approximately equal to the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 205 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 11%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Dayton Center ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
School Overview
Dayton Center's student population of 205 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
205 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Dayton Center ranks within the top 50% of all 1,233 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Dayton Center is 0.21, 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
#486 out of 1233 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
64%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
70%
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
6%
13%
Black
2%
7%
White
89%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
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 Dayton Center's ranking?
Dayton Center is ranked #486 out of 1,233 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Dayton Center often compared to?
Dayton Centeris often viewed alongside schools like Manson Northwest Webster Elementary School, Early Childhood Center by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% IA state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Dayton Center?
205 students attend Dayton Center.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
89% of Dayton Center students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Black, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Dayton Center?
Dayton Center has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Dayton Center offer ?
Dayton Center offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-4 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Dayton Center part of?
Dayton Center is part of Southeast Valley Community School District.
School Reviews
Review Dayton Center. 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

Is Your Public School Understaffed? Why Schools are Instituting Hiring Freezes
Explore the trend of hiring freezes in public schools and their impact on education. Learn why schools are implementing these measures and what it means for students and staff.

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.