Top-Rated Iowa Schools Celebrate Success in 2023-24 Performance Rankings

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Written By Blue & Gold NLR Team

 

 

Many public schools in northwest Iowa are celebrating after the Iowa Department of Education released the 2023-24 school performance ratings. Out of the 33 public schools in the region, all but seven earned a “Commendable” rating, placing them in the top half of the state’s schools.

Several schools received a “High Performing” rating, including Central Lyon Elementary and Secondary School, Boyden-Hull Elementary, George-Little Rock Elementary, Sibley-Ocheyedan Elementary, South O’Brien Junior/Senior High, and Rock Valley’s elementary, middle, and high schools. These schools ranked in the top 14% of the state.

East Elementary in Sheldon received an “Exceptional” rating, making it one of just 16 schools in Iowa to earn this top distinction. Principal Jason Groendyke expressed pride in the school’s success, highlighting the importance of strong relationships with students and a focus on helping each one achieve.

This year marked the first time Iowa used a new accountability system to rate schools. The system evaluates schools based on factors like student performance in English, math, and science, as well as growth, attendance, graduation rates, and readiness for college or careers. Ratings range from “Exceptional” to “Priority,” with “Exceptional” being the highest rating.

At South O’Brien Junior/Senior High School, Principal Denise Phillips celebrated the school’s rise from a “Commendable” rating of 59% in 2023 to a “High Performing” rating of 70%. Superintendent Wade Riley praised the hard work of both students and staff for their achievements.

The Rock Valley School District saw improvements across the board, with its middle and high schools earning “Commendable” ratings, and the elementary school maintaining a “High Performing” rating for the second consecutive year. Superintendent Matt Van Voorst credited dedicated teachers and long-term commitment to improvement for the district’s success.

Central Lyon School District also received “High Performing” ratings at both its elementary and secondary schools. Principal Steve Harman attributed their success to a new math curriculum and changes to the daily schedule, which provided more focused reading and math time for students.

Not all schools saw an improvement. Kinsey Elementary in Sioux Center dropped from “Acceptable” to “Needs Improvement.” Principal Jill Hulshof explained that the drop was due to low scores in reading and writing for English language learners. The school is introducing new reading strategies, including a research-backed curriculum called The Science of Reading, to address these challenges and improve student outcomes.

Hulshof remains optimistic about Kinsey Elementary’s future, focusing on providing personalized support for all students and working to improve scores in the coming years.

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