Serving 777 students in grades 9-12, Denison High 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 70% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 71% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 777 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Btm 50% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 70% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 71% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Denison High School's student population of 777 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 43 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
777 students
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Quality Learning Today; Preparing Citizens of Tomorrow
School Rankings
Denison High 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 Denison High School is 0.50, 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
#731 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
64%
14%
Black
3%
7%
White
30%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85-89%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)28.3%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
52%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Denison High School's ranking?
Denison High School is ranked #731 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?
70% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 71% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Denison High School?
The graduation rate of Denison High School is 85-89%, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend Denison High School?
777 students attend Denison High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
64% of Denison High School students are Hispanic, 30% of students are White, 3% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Denison High School?
Denison High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Denison High School offer ?
Denison High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Denison High School part of?
Denison High School is part of Denison Comm School District.
School Reviews
Review Denison High 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
Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone bans are spreading in public schools nationwide. Learn how to evaluate whether a school's cellphone policy will improve your child's learning and well-being.
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Considering a move to a higher-rated public school? Learn how to weigh school quality, housing costs, and family priorities before relocating.
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.
