Serving 256 students in grades Prekindergarten-4, Alta Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥90% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is approximately equal to the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 256 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 35%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in IA
- Math Proficiency: ≥90% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Alta Elementary School serves the eastern part of its school district in Alta, IA, covering an area of approximately 123.2 square miles. Families typically drive 15 to 20 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 12.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Alta Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Alta Elementary School's student population of 256 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 26% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
256 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Calendar
School Rankings
Alta Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Alta Elementary School is 0.53, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#277 out of 1223 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥90%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Asian
1%
3%
Showing 2009–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Hispanic
22%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 31-year historical data
Black
3%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
65%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Hawaiian
7%
1%
Two or more races
2%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 11-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)10.2%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
34%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alta Elementary School's ranking?
Alta Elementary School is ranked #277 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥90% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Alta Elementary School?
256 students attend Alta Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Alta Elementary School students are White, 22% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Hawaiian, 3% of students are Black, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Alta Elementary School?
Alta Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Alta Elementary School offer ?
Alta Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-4 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Alta Elementary School part of?
Alta Elementary School is part of Alta-Aurelia Comm School District.
School Reviews
Review Alta Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.
