Serving 539 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Southdale Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 84% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 90% (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 20% of the student body (majority Asian and Black), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 539 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 20%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 84% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 90% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 80-89% (Top 5%)
- Attendance Zone: Southdale Elementary School serves the southern part of Cedar Falls, IA, covering an area of approximately 7.5 square miles. Families within this zone typically have a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge located about 5.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Southdale Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Southdale Elementary School's student population of 539 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
539 students
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
A Tradition of Excellence
School Rankings
Southdale 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 Southdale Elementary School is 0.35, which is less 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
#75 out of 1223 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
84%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
90%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-89%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
6%
3%
Hispanic
3%
14%
Black
4%
7%
White
80%
70%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)6.1%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
19%
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: Tigers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southdale Elementary School's ranking?
Southdale Elementary School is ranked #75 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Southdale Elementary School often compared to?
Southdale Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Helen A Hansen Elementary School, Cedar Heights Elementary School, Bess Streeter Aldrich Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
84% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 90% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Southdale Elementary School?
539 students attend Southdale Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
80% of Southdale Elementary School students are White, 6% of students are Asian, 6% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Black, 3% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southdale Elementary School?
Southdale Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Southdale Elementary School offer ?
Southdale Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Southdale Elementary School part of?
Southdale Elementary School is part of Cedar Falls Comm School District.
School Reviews
Review Southdale Elementary 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
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
