Serving 791 students in grades 9-12, Pella High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 87% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 92% (which is higher 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 13% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 791 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 13%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 87% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 92% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 90-94% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Pella High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Pella High School's student population of 791 students has grown by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 46 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
791 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Motto
'Preparing Everyone to Learn, Lead & Achieve'
School Rankings
Pella High School ranks within the top 5% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Pella High School is 0.24, which is less 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
#29 out of 1223 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
87%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
92%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
90-94%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
3%
13%
Black
3%
7%
White
87%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
13%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pella High School's ranking?
Pella High School is ranked #29 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
87% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 92% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Pella High School?
The graduation rate of Pella High School is 95%, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend Pella High School?
791 students attend Pella High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of Pella High School students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Hispanic, and 3% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Pella High School?
Pella High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Pella High School offer ?
Pella High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Pella High School part of?
Pella High School is part of Pella Comm School District.
School Reviews
Review Pella 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

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.