Summary:
The city of Alta, Iowa is home to two schools: Alta Elementary School and Alta-Aurelia High School, both part of the Alta-Aurelia Community School District. Based on the available data, Alta Elementary School stands out as the top performer, consistently ranking among the top 30-40% of elementary schools in Iowa and significantly outperforming state averages on standardized tests. In contrast, Alta-Aurelia High School appears to be performing at a more average level compared to other high schools in the state.
Alta Elementary School boasts impressive test scores, with 3rd and 4th grade students exceeding state averages in both English Language Arts and Mathematics. The school also maintains a relatively low chronic absenteeism rate of 21.6%. Despite spending less per student ($13,449) than the high school ($16,446), Alta Elementary School achieves better academic outcomes, suggesting efficient use of resources. The school's student-teacher ratio of 14.2 is also relatively low, which may contribute to its strong performance.
While Alta-Aurelia High School has decent test scores, its statewide ranking has hovered around the middle of the pack, between 176th and 201st out of 336-340 high schools. The high school's chronic absenteeism rate matches that of the elementary school at 21.6%, indicating room for improvement in this area. Both schools serve student populations with similar levels of economic disadvantage, as evidenced by their free/reduced lunch rates of around 39%.
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