Top Rankings
Ottumwa Comm School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public preschools serving 666 students in Ottumwa Comm School District. This district's average pre testing ranking is 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public pre schools in Iowa.
Public Preschools in Ottumwa Comm School District have an average math proficiency score of 15% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 69% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public preschool average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (IA)
# Schools
12 Schools
484 Schools
# Students
5,005 Students
151,361 Students
# Teachers
329 Teachers
11,213 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Ottumwa Comm School District, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 325 school districts in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 83% has decreased from 91% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#315 out of 327 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
53%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
63%
Graduation Rate
83%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(2022-23)30.9%
24.7%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.68
0.46
% American Indian
n/a
n/a
% Asian
3%
2%
% Hispanic
26%
13%
% Black
10%
7%
% White
49%
72%
% Hawaiian
10%
1%
% Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $13,669 in this school district is less than the state median of $16,596. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $12,819 is less than the state median of $16,167. The school district spending/student has grown by 9% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$68 MM
$8,262 MM
Spending
$64 MM
$8,048 MM
Revenue / Student
$13,669
$16,596
Spending / Student
$12,819
$16,167
Best Ottumwa Comm School District Public Preschools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Ottumwa Virtual Learning
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
115 N Ferry St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-6597
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-6597
Gr: PK-12 | 106 students Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: n/an/a
1306 W Williams
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-7179
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-7179
Gr: PK-K | 560 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Recent Articles
The School Choice Comparison Worksheet: 15 Factors Beyond Test Scores
Compare public schools with confidence using this 15-factor worksheet that looks beyond test scores to school culture, programs, safety, and student support.
Boundary Changes and Rezoning: How to Protect Your Child's School Plan
Learn why school boundary changes happen, how rezoning affects families, and the practical steps parents can take to protect their child's educational plan.
Teacher Turnover: How to Read the Warning Signs
Learn how to identify warning signs of teacher turnover, what causes frequent staff changes, and how parents can evaluate school stability.
