Whittier Elementary School

1306 W Salem
Indianola, IA 50125
(School attendance zone shown in map)
6/
10
Top 50%
Serving 369 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Whittier Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 75-79% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65-69% (which is lower than 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 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 369 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 14%
  • : Top 50% in IA
  • : 75-79% (Top 30%)
  • : 65-69% (Btm 50%)
  • : 70-79% (Top 20%)
  • : Whittier Elementary School serves the southeast part of Indianola, IA, covering an attendance zone of approximately 36 square miles. Families within this area can expect a typical drive time of 15-20 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest point being about 11.8 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

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

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Whittier Elementary School's student population of 369 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
369 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
School Calendar

School Rankings

Whittier Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Whittier Elementary School is 0.25, 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.
This School
State Level (IA)
#594 out of 1223 schools
(Top 50%)
75-79%
68%
65-69%
70%
70-79%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
8%
14%
Black
n/a
7%
White
86%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.25
(22-23)
18.7%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
25%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Whittier Elementary School's ranking?
Whittier Elementary School is ranked #594 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Whittier Elementary School often compared to?
Whittier Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Wilder Elementary School, Irving Elementary School, Webster Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
75-79% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 65-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Whittier Elementary School?
369 students attend Whittier Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
86% of Whittier Elementary School students are White, 8% of students are Hispanic, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Whittier Elementary School?
Whittier Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Whittier Elementary School offer ?
Whittier Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Whittier Elementary School part of?
Whittier Elementary School is part of Indianola Comm School District.

School Reviews

Review Whittier 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
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
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
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.

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 369 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 14%
  • : Top 50%
  • : 75-79% (Top 30%)
  • : 65-69% (Btm 50%)
  • : 70-79% (Top 20%)
  • : Whittier Elementary School serves the southeast part of Indianola, IA, covering an attendance zone of approximately 36 square miles. Families within this area can expect a typical drive time of 15-20 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest point being about 11.8 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

Quick Links