Best Public Schools in Packwood, IA

The city of Packwood, Iowa is home to two schools: Pekin Elementary School and Pekin Community Junior/Senior High School, both part of the Pekin Community School District. While Pekin Elementary consistently ranks in the top half of Iowa elementary schools and boasts strong test scores, Pekin Community Junior/Senior High School is an average performer among Iowa high schools.

Pekin Elementary School stands out as a high-performing institution, consistently ranking in the top half of Iowa elementary schools and achieving impressive test scores, particularly in 3rd and 4th grade English Language Arts and Mathematics. In contrast, Pekin Community Junior/Senior High School ranks in the middle of the pack among Iowa high schools, with mixed test scores and a respectable 88.3% four-year graduation rate.

Both schools face challenges, such as a higher-than-average chronic absenteeism rate of 21.6% and relatively high free and reduced lunch rates (over 40%), suggesting the district serves a population with significant economic challenges. The district should address these issues and consider targeted improvement efforts, especially at the secondary level, to ensure all students in Packwood receive a high-quality education.