Cherokee County Schools & Education
Cherokee County, Iowa
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
62/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
93.1%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
93.1%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 92.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,295
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,591
School Score
62/100
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
#57
of 99 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Cherokee County
School Verdict
Cherokee County performs at an average level with a school score of 62/100 and a solid graduation rate of 93.1%.
Funding Context
At $7,295 per pupil, Cherokee County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Cherokee County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 1% above the Iowa average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 0.8 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 4% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Cherokee County, Iowa
The Educational Fabric of Cherokee
Cherokee County operates eight public schools, including four elementary, two middle, and two high schools. Three districts serve a total enrollment of 2,154 students. The network is designed to provide consistent educational access across the county’s agricultural landscape.
High Graduation Rates and Efficiency
The county boasts an impressive 93.1% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 92.3% and the national average. This performance is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,295, which is slightly below the state average of $7,591. The 55.8 composite school score indicates a performance level nearly identical to the statewide median.
District Leadership and Enrollment
The Cherokee Community School District is the largest provider, educating 1,200 students in its three schools. Other major providers include the Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn and River Valley districts. No charter schools exist in the county, maintaining a traditional district focus.
The Intimacy of Rural Schooling
All eight schools in the county are classified as rural, creating a tight-knit community feel for every student. The average school size is relatively small at 269 students, with Cherokee Elementary being the largest at 492 students. Smaller environments like MMCRU High School, with 203 students, allow for personalized attention.
Settling in Cherokee County
Cherokee County is an ideal destination for families seeking a high-performing rural school system. With graduation rates that lead the state, these schools are a primary draw for new residents. Consider local housing options that offer the benefit of small class sizes and a dedicated community.
School Overview
Total Schools
8
in Cherokee County
Total Enrollment
2,154
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 Cherokee County
Cherokee Comm School District
Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn Comm School District
River Valley Comm School District
8 Public Schools in Cherokee County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee Elementary School | Cherokee Comm School District | PK–4 | Primary | 492 |
| Cherokee Middle School | Cherokee Comm School District | 5–8 | Middle | 355 |
| Washington High School | Cherokee Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 353 |
| Alta-Aurelia Middle Sch | Alta-Aurelia Comm School District | 5–8 | Middle | 231 |
| MMCRU High School | Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 203 |
| MMCRU Marcus Elementary | Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn Comm School District | PK–4 | Primary | 183 |
| River Valley Elementary | River Valley Comm School District | PK–5 | Primary | 174 |
| Aurelia Elementary School | Alta-Aurelia Comm School District | PK–4 | Primary | 163 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,295
State avg $7,591
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Cherokee County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Cherokee County?
How much does Cherokee County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Cherokee County, Iowa — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Cherokee County, Iowa?
Cherokee County operates eight public schools, including four elementary, two middle, and two high schools. Three districts serve a total enrollment of 2,154 students. The network is designed to provide consistent educational access across the county’s agricultural landscape.
How do schools in Cherokee County perform academically?
The county boasts an impressive 93.1% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 92.3% and the national average. This performance is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,295, which is slightly below the state average of $7,591. The 55.8 composite school score indicates a performance level nearly identical to the statewide median.
What are the major school districts in Cherokee County, Iowa?
The Cherokee Community School District is the largest provider, educating 1,200 students in its three schools. Other major providers include the Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn and River Valley districts. No charter schools exist in the county, maintaining a traditional district focus.
What is the school experience like in Cherokee County?
All eight schools in the county are classified as rural, creating a tight-knit community feel for every student. The average school size is relatively small at 269 students, with Cherokee Elementary being the largest at 492 students. Smaller environments like MMCRU High School, with 203 students, allow for personalized attention.
How can I find homes near good schools in Cherokee County, Iowa?
Cherokee County is an ideal destination for families seeking a high-performing rural school system. With graduation rates that lead the state, these schools are a primary draw for new residents. Consider local housing options that offer the benefit of small class sizes and a dedicated community.
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.