Serving 545 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Lawson Elementary School ranks in the top 50% 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 78% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 74% (which is higher 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 38% of the student body (majority Asian and Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 545 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 38%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 78% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 74% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Lawson Elementary School serves the southeast part of Johnston, IA, covering an area of approximately 5.5 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 1.9 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, which extends up to 3.7 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Lawson Elementary School's student population of 545 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 41 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
545 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
41 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data
School Calendar
School Rankings
Lawson Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lawson Elementary School is 0.58, 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
#420 out of 1223 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
78%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
74%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data
Asian
14%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data
Hispanic
8%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data
Black
9%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data
White
62%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data
Two or more races
7%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 16-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)13%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
30%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
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 Lawson Elementary School's ranking?
Lawson Elementary School is ranked #420 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Lawson Elementary School often compared to?
Lawson Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Henry A Wallace Elementary School, Jordan Creek Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
78% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Lawson Elementary School?
545 students attend Lawson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Lawson Elementary School students are White, 14% of students are Asian, 9% of students are Black, 8% of students are Hispanic, and 7% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lawson Elementary School?
Lawson Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Lawson Elementary School offer ?
Lawson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Lawson Elementary School part of?
Lawson Elementary School is part of Johnston Comm School District.
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