Decatur County Schools & Education
Decatur County, Iowa
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
52/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
90.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
90.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 92.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,565
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,591
School Score
52/100
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
#80
of 99 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Decatur County
School Verdict
Decatur County performs at an average level with a school score of 52/100 and a solid graduation rate of 90.0%.
Funding Context
At $7,565 per pupil, Decatur County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Decatur County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 14% below the Iowa average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 2.3 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 0% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Decatur County, Iowa
Small Districts, Personalized Learning
Decatur County features seven public schools across two school districts, serving a total of 1,173 students. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools and three high schools to support its rural population.
Competitive Graduation and Investment
The graduation rate of 90.0% beats the national average, though it trails the Iowa state average of 92.3%. Per-pupil spending of $7,565 aligns closely with the state average, supporting a composite school score of 54.7.
Central Decatur and Lamoni Schools
Central Decatur Community School District is the largest provider with 697 students across three schools. The Lamoni Community School District follows with 380 students; no charter schools currently exist in the county.
The Essence of Rural Schooling
Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating an intimate average school size of 168 students. Central Decatur MS/HS is the largest facility with 348 students, while Lamoni High School remains small with just 98 students.
Find Home in a Friendly District
Decatur County offers a rare opportunity for students to learn in a truly small-scale rural environment. These districts offer a personalized touch that makes the area a compelling choice for families seeking a quiet lifestyle.
School Overview
Total Schools
7
in Decatur County
Total Enrollment
1,173
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Decatur County
Central Decatur Comm School District
Lamoni Comm School District
7 Public Schools in Decatur County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Decatur MS/HS High School | Central Decatur Comm School District | 7–12 | High | 348 |
| Lamoni Elementary School | Lamoni Comm School District | PK–5 | Primary | 212 |
| South Elementary School | Central Decatur Comm School District | PK–2 | Primary | 177 |
| North Elementary School | Central Decatur Comm School District | 3–6 | Primary | 172 |
| Lamoni High School | Lamoni Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 98 |
| Mormon Trail Jr-Sr High School | Mormon Trail Comm School District | 7–12 | High | 96 |
| Lamoni Middle School | Lamoni Comm School District | 6–8 | Middle | 70 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,565
State avg $7,591
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Decatur County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Decatur County?
How much does Decatur County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Decatur County, Iowa — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Decatur County, Iowa?
Decatur County features seven public schools across two school districts, serving a total of 1,173 students. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools and three high schools to support its rural population.
How do schools in Decatur County perform academically?
The graduation rate of 90.0% beats the national average, though it trails the Iowa state average of 92.3%. Per-pupil spending of $7,565 aligns closely with the state average, supporting a composite school score of 54.7.
What are the major school districts in Decatur County, Iowa?
Central Decatur Community School District is the largest provider with 697 students across three schools. The Lamoni Community School District follows with 380 students; no charter schools currently exist in the county.
What is the school experience like in Decatur County?
Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating an intimate average school size of 168 students. Central Decatur MS/HS is the largest facility with 348 students, while Lamoni High School remains small with just 98 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Decatur County, Iowa?
Decatur County offers a rare opportunity for students to learn in a truly small-scale rural environment. These districts offer a personalized touch that makes the area a compelling choice for families seeking a quiet lifestyle.
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.