Marion County Schools & Education
Marion County, Iowa
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
69/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
94.7%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
94.7%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 92.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,589
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,591
School Score
69/100
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
#24
of 99 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Marion County
School Verdict
Marion County performs at an average level with a school score of 69/100 and a solid graduation rate of 94.7%.
Funding Context
At $7,589 per pupil, Marion County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Marion County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 14% above the Iowa average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 2.4 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 0% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Marion County, Iowa
A High-Performing Education Hub
Marion County features 16 public schools across 5 districts, serving a total of 5,632 students. The county is well-equipped with 7 elementary, 4 middle, and 5 high schools. This diverse infrastructure supports a variety of communities from Pella to Knoxville.
Top-Tier Scores and Graduation Rates
Marion County stands out with a 57.3 school score, outperforming both the Iowa average of 56.0 and the national median. The graduation rate is an impressive 94.7%, well above the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending of $7,589 is almost perfectly aligned with the state average, showing high efficiency.
Pella and Knoxville Districts Lead
Pella Community School District is the largest in the county, with 2,491 students enrolled across 5 schools. Knoxville Community District also maintains a strong presence with 1,674 students. Traditional public schools account for all enrollment, as there are no charter schools in the region.
A Mix of Town and Country Life
Educational locales are split between 9 town-based schools and 7 rural ones, offering families several lifestyle options. Pella High School is the county's largest with 764 students, while the average school size is 352. This blend provides both the resources of larger town schools and the intimacy of rural campuses.
Premium Homes Near Top Schools
With some of the highest academic scores in the state, Marion County is a magnet for families. Whether you prefer the charm of Pella or the community of Knoxville, you will find excellent schools nearby. Explore local real estate to find a home that offers your children an elite education.
School Overview
Total Schools
16
in Marion County
Total Enrollment
5,632
students
School Districts
5
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
5 School Districts in Marion County
Pella Comm School District
Knoxville Comm School District
Pleasantville Comm School District
Twin Cedars Comm School District
Melcher-Dallas Comm School District
16 Public Schools in Marion County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pella High School | Pella Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 764 |
| Jefferson Intermediate | Pella Comm School District | 4–6 | Middle | 526 |
| Knoxville High School | Knoxville Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 500 |
| Madison Elementary School | Pella Comm School District | PK–3 | Primary | 490 |
| West Elementary | Knoxville Comm School District | PK–2 | Primary | 465 |
| Pleasantville Elementary | Pleasantville Comm School District | PK–6 | Primary | 421 |
| Pella Middle School | Pella Comm School District | 7–8 | Middle | 382 |
| Knoxville Middle School | Knoxville Comm School District | 6–8 | Middle | 368 |
| Northstar Elementary School | Knoxville Comm School District | 3–5 | Primary | 341 |
| Lincoln Elementary School | Pella Comm School District | PK–3 | Primary | 329 |
| Pleasantville High School | Pleasantville Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 244 |
| Twin Cedars Elementary School | Twin Cedars Comm School District | PK–6 | Primary | 202 |
| Melcher-Dallas Elem | Melcher-Dallas Comm School District | PK–6 | Primary | 177 |
| Twin Cedars Jr-Sr High School | Twin Cedars Comm School District | 7–12 | High | 156 |
| Melcher-Dallas High School | Melcher-Dallas Comm School District | 7–12 | High | 153 |
| Pleasantville Middle School | Pleasantville Comm School District | 7–8 | Middle | 114 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,589
State avg $7,591
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Marion County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Marion County?
How much does Marion County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Marion County, Iowa — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Marion County, Iowa?
Marion County features 16 public schools across 5 districts, serving a total of 5,632 students. The county is well-equipped with 7 elementary, 4 middle, and 5 high schools. This diverse infrastructure supports a variety of communities from Pella to Knoxville.
How do schools in Marion County perform academically?
Marion County stands out with a 57.3 school score, outperforming both the Iowa average of 56.0 and the national median. The graduation rate is an impressive 94.7%, well above the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending of $7,589 is almost perfectly aligned with the state average, showing high efficiency.
What are the major school districts in Marion County, Iowa?
Pella Community School District is the largest in the county, with 2,491 students enrolled across 5 schools. Knoxville Community District also maintains a strong presence with 1,674 students. Traditional public schools account for all enrollment, as there are no charter schools in the region.
What is the school experience like in Marion County?
Educational locales are split between 9 town-based schools and 7 rural ones, offering families several lifestyle options. Pella High School is the county's largest with 764 students, while the average school size is 352. This blend provides both the resources of larger town schools and the intimacy of rural campuses.
How can I find homes near good schools in Marion County, Iowa?
With some of the highest academic scores in the state, Marion County is a magnet for families. Whether you prefer the charm of Pella or the community of Knoxville, you will find excellent schools nearby. Explore local real estate to find a home that offers your children an elite education.
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.