Photo: Farragutful · CC BY-SA 4.0Muscatine’s public schools score below 87% of Iowa districts on tests and graduation
In Muscatine, 59% of tested students read at a proficient level, below the Iowa average (70%). The grade covers the public school district serving Muscatine, 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.
Muscatine’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 59% of tested students were proficient in reading and 57% in math, against 70% and 64% statewide; 97% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
83% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Iowa. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $13,508 per student, against $13,713 across Iowa (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Six elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 7 the district’s path is Susan Clark Junior High, then Muscatine High School. Enrollment is down 8% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
SS Mary and Mathias Catholic School (private) and Muscatine Adventist Christian 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 Muscatine’s grade
D: better than 13% of Iowa school districts, #113 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 Muscatine, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Muscatine
Muskie Early Learning Center
Grades PK · 261 students · 18:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Muscatine
Susan Clark Junior High
Grades 7–8 · 544 students · 12:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Muscatine
Susan Clark Junior High
Grades 7–8 · 544 students · 12:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Muscatine
Muscatine High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,380 students · 16:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Muscatine
Muscatine High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,380 students · 16:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Muscatine
Muscatine High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,380 students · 16:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Muscatine
Muscatine High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,380 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Muscatine’s public schools are run by Muscatine Community School District. Parts of Muscatine (9% of its land) are served by Louisa-Muscatine 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
Muscatine vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Iowa towns that share Muscatine’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Muscatine | D | Muscatine |
Drury, IL borders Muscatine but is graded on its own state’s tests, so it’s left out.
Every school in Muscatine
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 Muscatine’s schools
Are Muscatine’s schools good?
On Iowa’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Muscatine children attend score below 87% of Iowa’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D Schools grade, #113 of 140 Iowa towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 13%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Muscatine in?
Muscatine Community School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 4,280 students in 9 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Muscatine are served by Louisa-Muscatine.
Where do Muscatine kids go to high school?
Muscatine High School, with 1,380 students; its own test results earn a C.
What is Muscatine’s graduation rate?
83% of the class of 2023 in Muscatine Community School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Iowa.
How much does Muscatine spend per student?
$13,508 in Muscatine Community School District (FY2024), against $13,713 across Iowa. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Muscatine?
Yes: SS Mary and Mathias Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 320 students) and Muscatine Adventist Christian School (religious, grades PK–1, 5 students).
Parents talk
What Muscatine families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Muscatine → 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.