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 1,239 students in grades 9-12, 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 47% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 64%). 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 15:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,239 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 49%
- Graduation Rate: 80% (Btm 50% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 54% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Ottumwa High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Ottumwa High School's student population of 1,239 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 82 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,239 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
82 teachers
Year Founded
1923
School Rankings
Ottumwa High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,233 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 0.47. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1087 out of 1233 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
64%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
29%
13%
Black
8%
7%
White
51%
71%
Hawaiian
7%
1%
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bulldog
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ottumwa High School's ranking?
Ottumwa High School is ranked #1087 out of 1,233 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?
47% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% 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 80%, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend Ottumwa High School?
1,239 students attend Ottumwa High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Ottumwa High School students are White, 29% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Black, 7% of students are Hawaiian, 3% of students are Asian, and 2% 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 15:1, 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 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Ottumwa High School part of?
Ottumwa High School is part of Ottumwa Comm School District.
School Reviews
5 6/21/2021
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.
1 3/27/2020
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.
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