Decatur County Schools & Education

Decatur County, Iowa

School 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

State School Rank

#80

of 99 counties (1 = best)

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

School Type Breakdown

Elementary3
Middle1
High3
Other0

2 School Districts in Decatur County

Central Decatur Comm School District

3 schools
697 students

Lamoni Comm School District

3 schools
380 students

7 Public Schools in Decatur County

Central Decatur MS/HS High School

Central Decatur Comm School District

7–12High348 students
Lamoni Elementary School

Lamoni Comm School District

PK–5Primary212 students
South Elementary School

Central Decatur Comm School District

PK–2Primary177 students
North Elementary School

Central Decatur Comm School District

3–6Primary172 students
Lamoni High School

Lamoni Comm School District

9–12High98 students
Mormon Trail Jr-Sr High School

Mormon Trail Comm School District

7–12High96 students
Lamoni Middle School

Lamoni Comm School District

6–8Middle70 students

Educational Attainment

Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure

$7,565

State avg $7,591

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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.

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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.