Best Public Schools in Zip Code 52241

The 52241 zip code area in Iowa is home to 5 schools, including 4 elementary schools and 1 middle school, all part of the Iowa City Community School District. While the district as a whole is ranked 241 out of 313 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger, the schools within this zip code show a wide range of academic performance.

The standout school in this set is Wickham Elementary, which has consistently ranked among the top 10 elementary schools in the state and earned a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. Wickham's test scores are significantly higher than the district and state averages, with over 90% of students proficient or better in core subjects. In contrast, Kirkwood Elementary appears to be the weakest performer, with test scores well below the district and state averages and a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger.

The data also reveals some interesting patterns across the schools. All 5 schools in the zip code had a chronic absenteeism rate of 21.6%, significantly higher than the state average, suggesting attendance may be a systemic issue. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch varies widely, from 15.9% at Wickham Elementary to 74.9% at Kirkwood Elementary, indicating significant socioeconomic diversity within the district. Additionally, the spending per student ranges from $12,225 at Norman Borlaug Elementary to $15,376 at Kirkwood Elementary, suggesting that funding levels may not be the primary driver of academic performance.