Photo: Bill Whittaker · CC BY-SA 3.0Fort Dodge’s public schools score below 97% of Iowa districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 44% of Fort Dodge’s students scored proficient, below the Iowa average (64%). The grade covers the public school district serving Fort Dodge, 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 98% 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.
Fort Dodge’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 55% of tested students were proficient in reading and 44% in math, against 70% and 64% statewide; 98% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
74% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Iowa. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $12,949 per student, against $13,713 across Iowa (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then four elementary, one middle and one high school
Which school depends on the address at the later steps. Enrollment is down 7% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Edmond Catholic School (private), St. Edmond Catholic School (private), Community Christian School (private), St. Paul Lutheran School (private) and Harvest Baptist 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 Fort Dodge’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 Fort Dodge, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Fort Dodge
Early Childhood Center
Grades PK–K · 376 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Kindergarten in Fort Dodge
Early Childhood Center
Grades PK–K · 376 students · 14:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 765 students · 17:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 765 students · 17:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 765 students · 17:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,020 students · 17:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,020 students · 17:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,020 students · 17:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,020 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Fort Dodge’s public schools are run by Fort Dodge Community School District, which also serves Badger and Otho. 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
Fort Dodge vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Iowa towns that share Fort Dodge’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Dodge | D− | Fort Dodge |
Every school in Fort Dodge
12 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 Fort Dodge’s schools
Are Fort Dodge’s schools good?
On Iowa’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Fort Dodge 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 2%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Fort Dodge in?
Fort Dodge Community School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 3,385 students in 7 schools (2024–25).
Where do Fort Dodge kids go to high school?
Fort Dodge High School, with 1,020 students; its own test results earn a D.
What is Fort Dodge’s graduation rate?
74% of the class of 2023 in Fort Dodge Community School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Iowa.
How much does Fort Dodge spend per student?
$12,949 in Fort Dodge Community School District (FY2024), against $13,713 across Iowa. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Fort Dodge?
Yes: St. Edmond Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–12, 657 students), St. Edmond Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–12, 657 students), Community Christian School (religious, grades PK–8, 123 students), St. Paul Lutheran School (religious, grades PK–8, 119 students) and Harvest Baptist School (religious, grades PK–12, 72 students).
Parents talk
What Fort Dodge families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Fort Dodge → 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.