South Prairie Elementary School

500 S James St
Grimes, IA 50111
(School attendance zone shown in map)
10/
10
Top 10%
Serving 436 students in grades Kindergarten-4, South Prairie Elementary School ranks in the top 10% 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 85-89% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 80-84% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Black), which is equal to the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-4
  • Enrollment: 436 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 30%
  • : Top 10% in IA
  • : 85-89% (Top 10%)
  • : 80-84% (Top 20%)
  • : 70-74%
  • : South Prairie Elementary's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Grimes, IA, covering approximately 79.2 square miles. Families typically drive 10-15 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 6.4 miles to the edge of the zone and a maximum distance of 13.1 miles.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

South Prairie Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:

Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

School Overview

South Prairie Elementary School's student population of 436 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-4
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
436 students
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar

School Rankings

South Prairie Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Prairie Elementary School is 0.48, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (IA)
#89 out of 1223 schools
(Top 10%)
85-89%
68%
80-84%
70%
(20-21)
70-74%
60%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
8%
14%
Black
17%
7%
White
70%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
30%
0.48
(22-23)
19.5%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
25%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
7%
School Statewide Testing

Sports

School Mascot
Mustangs
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South Prairie Elementary School's ranking?
South Prairie Elementary School is ranked #89 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are South Prairie Elementary School often compared to?
South Prairie Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North Ridge Elementary School, Delaware Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
85-89% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 80-84% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend South Prairie Elementary School?
436 students attend South Prairie Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of South Prairie Elementary School students are White, 17% of students are Black, 8% of students are Hispanic, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Prairie Elementary School?
South Prairie Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does South Prairie Elementary School offer ?
South Prairie Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-4 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is South Prairie Elementary School part of?
South Prairie Elementary School is part of Dallas Center-Grimes Comm School District.

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-4
  • Enrollment: 436 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 30%
  • : Top 10%
  • : 85-89% (Top 10%)
  • : 80-84% (Top 20%)
  • : 70-74%
  • : South Prairie Elementary's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Grimes, IA, covering approximately 79.2 square miles. Families typically drive 10-15 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 6.4 miles to the edge of the zone and a maximum distance of 13.1 miles.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

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