Serving 429 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Van Buren 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 55-59% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 78% 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: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 429 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 78%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Van Buren Elementary School serves the southern part of Cedar Rapids, IA, covering an area of approximately 3.5 square miles. Most students typically live within a 5-10 minute drive from the school, with the furthest boundary about 2.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Van Buren Elementary School's student population of 429 students has grown by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
429 students
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
Year Founded
1970
School Motto
Every Learner. Future Ready.
School Rankings
Van Buren 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 Van Buren Elementary School is 0.68, 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
#1100 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
25%
14%
Black
46%
7%
White
22%
70%
Hawaiian
2%
1%
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)31.9%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
77%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Van Buren Elementary School's ranking?
Van Buren Elementary School is ranked #1100 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Van Buren Elementary School often compared to?
Van Buren Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Grant Elementary School, Prairie Ridge Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Van Buren Elementary School?
429 students attend Van Buren Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of Van Buren Elementary School students are Black, 25% of students are Hispanic, 22% of students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Van Buren Elementary School?
Van Buren Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Van Buren Elementary School offer ?
Van Buren Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Van Buren Elementary School part of?
Van Buren Elementary School is part of Cedar Rapids Comm School District.
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