Mahaska County Schools & Education
Mahaska County, Iowa
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
57/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
92.7%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.7%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 92.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,113
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,591
School Score
57/100
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
#68
of 99 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Mahaska County
School Verdict
Mahaska County performs at an average level with a school score of 57/100 and a solid graduation rate of 92.7%.
Funding Context
At $7,113 per pupil, Mahaska County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Mahaska County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 6% below the Iowa average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 0.4 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 6% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Mahaska County, Iowa
Education in the Heart of Mahaska
Mahaska County operates 8 public schools within 2 districts, serving a total student body of 2,823. The system includes 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools, plus 2 specialized programs. This compact structure focuses resources on a few key campuses to serve the community.
Surpassing State and National Benchmarks
The county maintains a graduation rate of 92.7%, which sits above both the Iowa average of 92.3% and the national 87.0% mark. Educational delivery is achieved with a per-pupil spend of $7,113. While the school score is 55.2, the county continues to outperform national medians for student outcomes.
Oskaloosa's Centralized School Hub
The Oskaloosa Community School District is the primary provider, educating 2,081 students across 5 schools. North Mahaska Community School District serves the remaining 616 students in the county. With 0% charter school presence, the community remains deeply invested in its local public institutions.
Town Staples and Rural Gems
The county features 6 schools in rural locales and 2 in town settings, creating a balanced geographic spread. Oskaloosa Elementary is the largest school by far with 886 students, while the county average stands at 353. Students experience a mix of larger town-based campuses and smaller rural facilities.
Invest in a Mahaska County Home
Mahaska County offers a stable and successful school environment for growing families. Homes here are often situated within a short distance of the well-regarded Oskaloosa or North Mahaska campuses. Start your home search here to join a community that values education and graduation success.
School Overview
Total Schools
8
in Mahaska County
Total Enrollment
2,823
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 Mahaska County
Oskaloosa Comm School District
North Mahaska Comm School District
8 Public Schools in Mahaska County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oskaloosa Elementary School | Oskaloosa Comm School District | KG–5 | Primary | 886 |
| Oskaloosa High School | Oskaloosa Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 600 |
| Oskaloosa Middle School | Oskaloosa Comm School District | 6–8 | Middle | 454 |
| North Mahaska Elementary School | North Mahaska Comm School District | PK–6 | Primary | 346 |
| North Mahaska Jr-Sr High School | North Mahaska Comm School District | 7–12 | High | 270 |
| Fremont Elementary | Eddyville-Blakesburg- Fremont CSD | PK–6 | Primary | 126 |
| Oskaloosa Early Childhood Center - PK | Oskaloosa Comm School District | PK | Other | 99 |
| Oskaloosa Virtual Academy | Oskaloosa Comm School District | KG–12 | Other | 42 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,113
State avg $7,591
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Mahaska County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Mahaska County?
How much does Mahaska County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Mahaska County, Iowa — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Mahaska County, Iowa?
Mahaska County operates 8 public schools within 2 districts, serving a total student body of 2,823. The system includes 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools, plus 2 specialized programs. This compact structure focuses resources on a few key campuses to serve the community.
How do schools in Mahaska County perform academically?
The county maintains a graduation rate of 92.7%, which sits above both the Iowa average of 92.3% and the national 87.0% mark. Educational delivery is achieved with a per-pupil spend of $7,113. While the school score is 55.2, the county continues to outperform national medians for student outcomes.
What are the major school districts in Mahaska County, Iowa?
The Oskaloosa Community School District is the primary provider, educating 2,081 students across 5 schools. North Mahaska Community School District serves the remaining 616 students in the county. With 0% charter school presence, the community remains deeply invested in its local public institutions.
What is the school experience like in Mahaska County?
The county features 6 schools in rural locales and 2 in town settings, creating a balanced geographic spread. Oskaloosa Elementary is the largest school by far with 886 students, while the county average stands at 353. Students experience a mix of larger town-based campuses and smaller rural facilities.
How can I find homes near good schools in Mahaska County, Iowa?
Mahaska County offers a stable and successful school environment for growing families. Homes here are often situated within a short distance of the well-regarded Oskaloosa or North Mahaska campuses. Start your home search here to join a community that values education and graduation success.
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.