Serving 301 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Carter Lake Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45-49% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 301 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 31%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Carter Lake Elementary School serves the southwest part of Carter Lake, IA, covering an area of approximately 2.1 square miles. Most students live within a 5 to 10-minute drive, with the average distance to the zone's edge being about 0.9 miles and the furthest point reaching 1.8 miles away from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Carter Lake Elementary School's student population of 301 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
301 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
More Choices. More Opportunities. More Ways to Succeed.
School Rankings
Carter Lake Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Carter Lake Elementary School is 0.49, 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
#1119 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
18%
14%
Black
7%
7%
White
69%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)30.9%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
44%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carter Lake Elementary School's ranking?
Carter Lake Elementary School is ranked #1119 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Carter Lake Elementary School?
301 students attend Carter Lake Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Carter Lake Elementary School students are White, 18% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Black, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Carter Lake Elementary School?
Carter Lake Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Carter Lake Elementary School offer ?
Carter Lake Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Carter Lake Elementary School part of?
Carter Lake Elementary School is part of Council Bluffs Comm School District.
School Reviews
Review Carter Lake 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
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
