Photo: Kepper66 · CC BY-SA 3.0Davenport’s public schools score below 97% of Iowa districts on tests and graduation
44% of students in Davenport’s public schools are proficient in math, below the Iowa average (64%). The grade covers the public school district serving Davenport, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. 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 97% 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.
Davenport’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 53% of tested students were proficient in reading and 44% in math, against 70% and 64% statewide; 97% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
73% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Iowa. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $15,583 per student, against $13,713 across Iowa (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
12 elementary schools, then four middle and three high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School (private), John F Kennedy Catholic School (private), Trinity Lutheran Church School (private), Quad City Montessori School (private) and All Saints Catholic School (private) are in town. Every school ↓
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 Davenport’s grade
D−: better than 3% of Iowa school districts, #135 of 140 Iowa towns. Both inputs trail the Iowa average; graduation is the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Davenport, with each school’s own grade.
9th grade in Davenport · depends on your address
West High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,304 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,288 students · 15:1 students per teacher
North High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,190 students · 17:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Davenport · depends on your address
West High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,304 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,288 students · 15:1 students per teacher
North High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,190 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Davenport’s public schools are run by Davenport Community School District, which also serves Blue Grass, Buffalo and Walcott. Parts of Davenport (15% and 3% of its land) are served by North Scott and Bettendorf instead. 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 below the state in reading
Davenport vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Iowa towns that share Davenport’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Davenport | D− | Davenport |
| Bettendorf | A− | Pleasant Valley PK–12 · Bettendorf PK–12 |
| Eldridge | A− | North Scott |
| Buffalo | D− | Davenport |
Andalusia, IL, Blackhawk, IL, Moline, IL, Rock Island, IL and South Rock Island, IL border Davenport but are graded on their own state’s tests, so they’re left out.
Every school in Davenport
28 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).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Horizon Science Academy DAV).
Questions about Davenport’s schools
Are Davenport’s schools good?
On Iowa’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Davenport children attend score below 97% of Iowa’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D− Schools grade, #135 of 140 Iowa towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 1%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Davenport in?
Davenport Community School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 12,812 students in 27 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Davenport are served by North Scott and Bettendorf.
Where do Davenport kids go to high school?
One of 3 high schools, depending on your address: West High School, Central High School and North High School.
What is Davenport’s graduation rate?
73% of the class of 2023 in Davenport Community School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Iowa.
How much does Davenport spend per student?
$15,583 in Davenport Community School District (FY2024), against $13,713 across Iowa. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Davenport?
Yes: St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 461 students), John F Kennedy Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 437 students), Trinity Lutheran Church School (religious, grades PK–8, 422 students), Quad City Montessori School (nonsectarian, grades PK–6, 117 students) and All Saints Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 21 students).
Parents talk
What Davenport families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Davenport → 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.