Serving 593 students in grades 6-8, Taft Middle 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 70% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70% (which is equal to the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 593 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 33%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 70% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Taft Middle School serves the southwest part of Cedar Rapids, IA, covering an attendance area of approximately 33 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 2.6 miles to the school's edge, and the furthest point in the zone located about 6.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Taft Middle School's student population of 593 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has grown by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
593 students
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Year Founded
1980
School Calendar
School Motto
Every Learner. Future Ready.
School Rankings
Taft Middle 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 Taft Middle School is 0.52, 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
#739 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
6%
14%
Black
14%
7%
White
67%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
11%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)26.3%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
42%
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 Taft Middle School's ranking?
Taft Middle School is ranked #739 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Taft Middle School often compared to?
Taft Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 70% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Taft Middle School?
593 students attend Taft Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Taft Middle School students are White, 14% of students are Black, 11% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Taft Middle School?
Taft Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Taft Middle School offer ?
Taft Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Taft Middle School part of?
Taft Middle School is part of Cedar Rapids Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Taft Middle School located?
Taft Middle School is located in the Cedar Hills neighborhood of Cedar Rapids, IA. There are 3 other public schools located in Cedar Hills.
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