Photo: ArtisticAbode · CC BY-SA 3.0Ely’s public schools score below 66% of Iowa districts on tests and graduation
The grade covers the public school district serving Ely, 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.
Ely’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 225 Iowa towns with household incomes within a quarter of Ely’s, its schools beat 24%, lower than their 34% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 69% of tested students were proficient in reading and 61% in math, against 70% and 64% statewide; 97% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
88% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Iowa. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $13,528 per student, against $13,713 across Iowa (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Six elementary schools, then two middle schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. 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 Ely’s grade
C: better than 34% of Iowa school districts. Graduation is above the Iowa average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Ely, with each school’s own grade.
5th grade in Ely · depends on your address
Prairie Creek
Grades 5–6 · 846 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Cedar Rapids
Prairie Crossing
Grades K–12 · 67 students · 4:1 students per teacher · in Cedar Rapids
6th grade in Ely · depends on your address
Prairie Creek
Grades 5–6 · 846 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Cedar Rapids
Prairie Crossing
Grades K–12 · 67 students · 4:1 students per teacher · in Cedar Rapids
7th grade in Ely · depends on your address
Prairie Point
Grades 7–8 · 868 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Cedar Rapids
Prairie Crossing
Grades K–12 · 67 students · 4:1 students per teacher · in Cedar Rapids
8th grade in Ely · depends on your address
Prairie Point
Grades 7–8 · 868 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Cedar Rapids
Prairie Crossing
Grades K–12 · 67 students · 4:1 students per teacher · in Cedar Rapids
9th grade in Ely · depends on your address
Prairie High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,766 students · 19:1 students per teacher · in Cedar Rapids
Prairie Crossing
Grades K–12 · 67 students · 4:1 students per teacher · in Cedar Rapids
10th grade in Ely · depends on your address
Prairie High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,766 students · 19:1 students per teacher · in Cedar Rapids
Prairie Crossing
Grades K–12 · 67 students · 4:1 students per teacher · in Cedar Rapids
Ely’s public schools are run by College Community School District, which also serves Cedar Rapids, Fairfax, Shueyville and Swisher and others. 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.
Close to the state in reading
Ely vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Iowa towns that share Ely’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Ely | C | College |
Every school in Ely
7 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 Ely’s schools
Are Ely’s schools good?
On Iowa’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Ely children attend score below 66% of Iowa’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 24%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Ely in?
College Community School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 5,792 students in 10 schools (2024–25).
What is Ely’s graduation rate?
88% of the class of 2023 in College Community School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Iowa.
How much does Ely spend per student?
$13,528 in College Community School District (FY2024), against $13,713 across Iowa. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Ely families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Ely → 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.