Photo: dwhartwig · CC BY 2.0Mason City’s public schools score below 89% of Iowa districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 51% of Mason City’s students scored proficient, below the Iowa average (64%). The grade covers the public school district serving Mason City, 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 95% 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.
Mason City’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 60% of tested students were proficient in reading and 51% in math, against 70% and 64% statewide; 95% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
84% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Iowa. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $15,704 per student, against $13,713 across Iowa (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Four elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 7 the district’s path is John Adams Middle School, then Mason City High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Newman Catholic Elementary School (private) and North Iowa Christian School (private) are in town. Mason City Virtual Academy, an online school, is based here too; it isn’t counted as a local school. 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 Mason City’s grade
D: better than 11% of Iowa school districts, #117 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 Mason City, with each school’s own grade.
5th grade in Mason City
Lincoln Intermediate
Grades 5–6 · 485 students · 13:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Mason City
Lincoln Intermediate
Grades 5–6 · 485 students · 13:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Mason City
John Adams Middle School
Grades 7–8 · 463 students · 14:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Mason City
John Adams Middle School
Grades 7–8 · 463 students · 14:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Mason City
Mason City High School
Grades 9–12 · 891 students · 17:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Mason City
Mason City High School
Grades 9–12 · 891 students · 17:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Mason City
Mason City High School
Grades 9–12 · 891 students · 17:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Mason City
Mason City High School
Grades 9–12 · 891 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Mason City’s public schools are run by Mason City 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 below the state in reading
Mason City vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Iowa towns that share Mason City’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Mason City | D | Mason City |
Every school in Mason City
11 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 Mason City’s schools
Are Mason City’s schools good?
On Iowa’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Mason City children attend score below 89% of Iowa’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D Schools grade, #117 of 140 Iowa towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 11%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Mason City in?
Mason City Community School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 3,406 students in 9 schools (2024–25).
Where do Mason City kids go to high school?
Mason City High School, with 891 students; its own test results earn a C−.
What is Mason City’s graduation rate?
84% of the class of 2023 in Mason City Community School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Iowa.
How much does Mason City spend per student?
$15,704 in Mason City Community School District (FY2024), against $13,713 across Iowa. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Mason City?
Yes: Newman Catholic Elementary School (Catholic, grades K–12, 558 students) and North Iowa Christian School (religious, grades K–12, 84 students).
Parents talk
What Mason City families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Mason City → 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.