Photo: Corey Coyle · CC BY 3.0Farley’s public schools outscore 87% of Iowa districts
In Farley, 79% of tested students are proficient in math, above the Iowa average (64%). The grade covers the public school district serving Farley, 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 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.
Farley’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 326 Iowa towns with household incomes within a quarter of Farley’s, its schools beat 81%, lower than their 87% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 78% and math 79% in spring 2022, against 70% and 64% statewide; 97% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $12,228 per student, against $13,713 across Iowa (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and two high schools
Which school depends on the address at the later steps. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Seton Catholic School (private) is 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 Farley’s grade
A: better than 87% of Iowa school districts. Test scores and graduation are both above the Iowa average; graduation is the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Farley, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Farley
Farley Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 273 students · 15:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Farley
Drexler Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 639 students · 13:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Farley
Drexler Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 639 students · 13:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Farley
Drexler Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 639 students · 13:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Farley · depends on your address
Western Dubuque High School
Grades 9–12 · 927 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Epworth
Cascade Junior-Senior High School
Grades 6–12 · 392 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in Cascade
10th grade in Farley · depends on your address
Western Dubuque High School
Grades 9–12 · 927 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Epworth
Cascade Junior-Senior High School
Grades 6–12 · 392 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in Cascade
Farley’s public schools are run by Western Dubuque County Community School District. 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
Farley vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Iowa towns that share Farley’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Farley | A | Western Dubuque County |
Every school in Farley
5 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 Farley’s schools
Are Farley’s schools good?
By Iowa’s own tests, yes: the public schools Farley children attend outscore 87% of Iowa’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 81%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Farley in?
Western Dubuque County Community School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 3,643 students in 8 schools (2024–25).
Where do Farley kids go to high school?
One of 2 high schools, depending on your address: Western Dubuque High School and Cascade Junior-Senior High School.
What is Farley’s graduation rate?
97% of the class of 2023 in Western Dubuque County Community School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Iowa.
How much does Farley spend per student?
$12,228 in Western Dubuque County Community School District (FY2024), against $13,713 across Iowa. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Farley?
Yes: Seton Catholic School (Catholic, grades K–8, 271 students).
Parents talk
What Farley families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Farley → 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.