Alta’s public schools outscore 63% of Iowa districts
The grade covers the public school district serving Alta, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Iowa, not nationally.
From Iowa state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Alta’s schools, in brief
Above the state on tests
Reading proficiency is 75% and math 70% in spring 2022, against 70% and 64% statewide. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $13,175 per student, against $13,713 across Iowa (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 5 the district’s path is Alta-Aurelia Middle School, then Alta-Aurelia High School. See the path ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Alta’s grade
B: better than 63% of Iowa school districts. Test scores are above the Iowa average; there is no graduation rate to add.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Alta, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Alta
Alta Elementary School
Grades PK–4 · 256 students · 15:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Alta
Alta-Aurelia Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 228 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in Aurelia
6th grade in Alta
Alta-Aurelia Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 228 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in Aurelia
7th grade in Alta
Alta-Aurelia Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 228 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in Aurelia
Alta’s public schools are run by Alta-Aurelia Community School District, which also serves Aurelia. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Alta vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Iowa towns that share Alta’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Alta | B | Alta-Aurelia |
Every school in Alta
3 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Iowa’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Alta’s schools
Are Alta’s schools good?
They sit near the middle of Iowa: the public schools Alta children attend outscore 63% of Iowa’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 67%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Alta in?
Alta-Aurelia Community School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 829 students in 4 schools (2024–25).
Where do Alta kids go to high school?
Alta-Aurelia High School, with 221 students; its own test results earn a B+.
How much does Alta spend per student?
$13,175 in Alta-Aurelia Community School District (FY2024), against $13,713 across Iowa. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Alta families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Alta → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Iowa. Stars are from neighbors.