Clarinda Community School District

The Clarinda Community School District in Iowa consists of two schools: Garfield Elementary School and Clarinda High School. The data analysis reveals that Clarinda High School is the standout school in the district, with a higher statewide ranking and stronger academic performance compared to Garfield Elementary.

Clarinda High School has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger and ranks 130 out of 340 Iowa high schools, indicating a solid academic standing. The school boasts an impressive 88.3% four-year graduation rate and its students excel in English Language Arts on the ISASP tests. In contrast, Garfield Elementary has consistently ranked in the bottom half of Iowa elementary schools, with a rank of 301 out of 576 for the 2024-2025 school year. However, the elementary school's students perform particularly well in mathematics, with proficiency rates significantly higher than the state average.

The data also reveals some disparities between the two schools. Garfield Elementary has a higher percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a higher proportion of economically disadvantaged students. Additionally, Clarinda High School spends significantly more per student than Garfield Elementary, which may contribute to the high school's stronger academic performance. Both schools face challenges with a high chronic absenteeism rate, which the district should address to improve student learning and achievement across the board.