Serving 371 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Sawyer Elementary 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 60-64% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is approximately equal to the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 371 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 35%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Sawyer Elementary School serves the northwest part of Ames, IA, with an attendance zone covering approximately 3.5 square miles. Families within this area can typically expect a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with the farthest edge located about 1.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Sawyer Elementary School's student population of 371 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(Supplemental virtual)
(Supplemental virtual)
Total Students
371 students
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Year Founded
1972
School Calendar
School Motto
Engage, Empower, Ignite
School Rankings
Sawyer Elementary 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 Sawyer Elementary School is 0.55, 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
#750 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
7%
3%
Hispanic
12%
14%
Black
9%
7%
White
65%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)17.5%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sawyer Elementary School's ranking?
Sawyer Elementary School is ranked #750 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Sawyer Elementary School often compared to?
Sawyer Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Edwards Elementary School, Fellows Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Sawyer Elementary School?
371 students attend Sawyer Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Sawyer Elementary School students are White, 12% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Black, 7% of students are Asian, and 7% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Sawyer Elementary School?
Sawyer Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Sawyer Elementary School offer ?
Sawyer Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (Supplemental virtual).
What school district is Sawyer Elementary School part of?
Sawyer Elementary School is part of Ames Comm School District.
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