Cerro Gordo County Schools & Education
Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
56/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
87.7%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.7%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 92.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,682
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,591
School Score
56/100
Higher = better
State avg 61/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#71
of 99 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Cerro Gordo County
School Verdict
Cerro Gordo County performs at an average level with a school score of 56/100 and a solid graduation rate of 87.7%.
Funding Context
Cerro Gordo County spends $8,682 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Cerro Gordo County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 8% below the Iowa average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 4.6 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 14% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Cerro Gordo's Education Infrastructure
Cerro Gordo County supports 5,421 students across 13 public schools organized into three main districts. The system includes six elementary, three middle, and three high schools to serve the regional population. This robust framework provides a solid foundation for youth across the county.
Academic Outcomes and Funding
The county reports an 87.7% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average of 87.0% but trails the Iowa state average of 92.3%. Investment stands at $8,682 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the state average of $7,591. The county earns a composite school score of 55.9, nearly matching the state benchmark.
Leading Districts in Cerro Gordo
Mason City Community School District is the county's largest, managing nine schools and serving ,3526 students. Clear Lake Community School District follows, providing education for 1,480 students across three facilities. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county's public system.
A Town-Centric Learning Environment
Education here primarily takes place in town settings, which account for 11 of the 13 schools. Mason City High School is the largest campus with 956 students, while the average school size across the county is 417 students. This structure offers a centralized learning experience compared to more isolated rural districts.
Find Your Home Near Local Schools
For families looking to move, Cerro Gordo offers a mix of large town schools and smaller rural options. High per-pupil spending reflects a strong local commitment to classroom resources. Explore local real estate to find the perfect proximity to these established academic centers.
School Overview
Total Schools
13
in Cerro Gordo County
Total Enrollment
5,421
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Cerro Gordo County
Mason City Comm School District
Clear Lake Comm School District
West Fork Comm School District
13 Public Schools in Cerro Gordo County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mason City High School | Mason City Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 956 |
| Clear Creek Elementary School | Clear Lake Comm School District | PK–5 | Primary | 688 |
| John Adams Middle School | Mason City Comm School District | 7–8 | Middle | 480 |
| Lincoln Intermediate | Mason City Comm School District | 5–6 | Middle | 468 |
| Clear Lake High School | Clear Lake Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 458 |
| West Fork Elementary at Rockwell | West Fork Comm School District | PK–5 | Primary | 415 |
| Harding Elementary School | Mason City Comm School District | PK–4 | Primary | 380 |
| Hoover Elementary School | Mason City Comm School District | PK–4 | Primary | 375 |
| Roosevelt Elementary School | Mason City Comm School District | PK–4 | Primary | 357 |
| Clear Lake Middle School | Clear Lake Comm School District | 6–8 | Middle | 334 |
| Jefferson Elementary School | Mason City Comm School District | PK–4 | Primary | 317 |
| Mason City Virtual Academy | Mason City Comm School District | KG–12 | Other | 99 |
| Alternative School | Mason City Comm School District | 9–12 | Alternative | 94 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,682
State avg $7,591
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Cerro Gordo County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Cerro Gordo County?
How much does Cerro Gordo County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa?
Cerro Gordo County supports 5,421 students across 13 public schools organized into three main districts. The system includes six elementary, three middle, and three high schools to serve the regional population. This robust framework provides a solid foundation for youth across the county.
How do schools in Cerro Gordo County perform academically?
The county reports an 87.7% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average of 87.0% but trails the Iowa state average of 92.3%. Investment stands at $8,682 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the state average of $7,591. The county earns a composite school score of 55.9, nearly matching the state benchmark.
What are the major school districts in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa?
Mason City Community School District is the county's largest, managing nine schools and serving ,3526 students. Clear Lake Community School District follows, providing education for 1,480 students across three facilities. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county's public system.
What is the school experience like in Cerro Gordo County?
Education here primarily takes place in town settings, which account for 11 of the 13 schools. Mason City High School is the largest campus with 956 students, while the average school size across the county is 417 students. This structure offers a centralized learning experience compared to more isolated rural districts.
How can I find homes near good schools in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa?
For families looking to move, Cerro Gordo offers a mix of large town schools and smaller rural options. High per-pupil spending reflects a strong local commitment to classroom resources. Explore local real estate to find the perfect proximity to these established academic centers.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.