Serving 700 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Clay Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 80% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 78% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 700 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 40%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 80% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 78% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Clay Elementary serves the northwest part of Altoona, IA, covering an area of approximately 11.5 square miles, with most families typically driving 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school. The average distance from the school to the edge of the attendance zone is about 2.4 miles, extending up to 4.5 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Clay Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Clay Elementary School's student population of 700 students has grown by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 43 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
700 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Clay 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 Clay Elementary School is 0.60, 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
#298 out of 1223 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
80%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
78%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
3%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
15%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
Black
14%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
White
60%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
8%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)14.3%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
30%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clay Elementary School's ranking?
Clay Elementary School is ranked #298 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Clay Elementary School often compared to?
Clay Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Southeast Elementary School, Altoona Elementary School, Willowbrook Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
80% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 78% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Clay Elementary School?
700 students attend Clay Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of Clay Elementary School students are White, 15% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Clay Elementary School?
Clay Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Clay Elementary School offer ?
Clay Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Clay Elementary School part of?
Clay Elementary School is part of Southeast Polk Comm School District.
School Reviews
Review Clay 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
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.
