Ottumwa High School is a public high school located in Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Ottumwa Community School District, and is the district's only high school. It was established in 1923. The school sports mascot is a bulldog.
Serving 910 students in grades 10-12, Ottumwa 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 53% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 54% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 10-12
- Enrollment: 910 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 51%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 30% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 53% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 54% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Ottumwa High School's student population of 910 students has declined by 29% over five school years.
The teacher population of 55 teachers has declined by 27% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 10-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
910 students
Total Classroom Teachers
55 teachers
Year Founded
1923
School Calendar
School Rankings
Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa High School is 0.65, 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
#1087 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
53%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
32%
14%
Black
10%
7%
White
49%
70%
Hawaiian
6%
1%
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)53%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
34%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bulldogs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ottumwa High School's ranking?
Ottumwa High School is ranked #1087 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Ottumwa High School often compared to?
Ottumwa High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cardinal High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
53% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Ottumwa High School?
The graduation rate of Ottumwa High School is 91%, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend Ottumwa High School?
910 students attend Ottumwa High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Ottumwa High School students are White, 32% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Black, 6% of students are Hawaiian, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ottumwa High School?
Ottumwa High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Ottumwa High School offer ?
Ottumwa High School offers enrollment in grades 10-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Ottumwa High School part of?
Ottumwa High School is part of Ottumwa Comm School District.
School Reviews
1 10/10/2025
This school district is difficult to review, as many of its choices have been made based on a lack of funding. They tend to push out people who are very highly qualified, in order to hire people with next to no experience with the goal of saving money. I will do whatever I can in any forum that I can to shun them publicly for this.
5 10/10/2025
Fantastic school district! Fantastic high school! My kids have had excellent teachers their entire time here!! I would highly recommend any of Ottuwma's buildings to anyone! The best staff you'll find anywhere, kind families and opportunities for all kids to be involved.
Review Ottumwa 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
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.
