Summary:
The Iola Independent School District (Isd) is a small, highly-rated district in Texas serving approximately 626 students across two schools: Iola High School (grades 6-12) and Iola Elementary (grades PK-5). The district ranks in the 85th percentile statewide, earning a 4-star rating, and is known for its exceptionally low student-teacher ratios, which foster a personalized learning environment.
Iola High School is the standout, ranking in the 87th percentile and boasting a perfect 100% graduation rate with a 0% dropout rate. It excels dramatically in English and Biology, with proficiency rates over 80%—far exceeding state averages. However, Algebra I is a notable weak point, with only 47.73% of students proficient, below the state average. In contrast, Iola Elementary is solid but less exceptional, ranking in the 64th percentile with a declining trend. While it performs well in 3rd-grade Reading and 5th-grade Science, 4th-grade Mathematics is a significant concern, with only 34.62% of students proficient—nearly 15 points below the state average. This creates a performance gap as students transition to the high school, where 6th-grade math scores are stronger but not as high as later grades.
A key takeaway is the spending disparity: Iola High School spends $12,517 per student, while Iola Elementary spends only $8,820, despite the elementary school having a slightly higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students. Both schools benefit from very low student-teacher ratios (9.3:1 at the high school, 10.6:1 at the elementary), which is a major asset. The high school shows consistent year-over-year improvement in key subjects like English and Biology, while the elementary school's declining ranking warrants attention. Overall, the district offers strong academic opportunities, particularly at the high school level, but families should be aware of the math challenges at both schools.
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