Photo: PopePompus · CC BY-SA 4.0Polk City’s public schools outscore 98% of Iowa districts
In Polk City, 85% of tested students are proficient in math, above the Iowa average (64%). The grade covers the public school district serving Polk 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 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.
Polk City’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 18 Iowa towns with household incomes within a quarter of Polk City’s, its schools beat 89%, lower than their 98% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 87% and math 85% in spring 2022, against 70% and 64% statewide; 95–100% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $11,911 per student, against $13,713 across Iowa (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one elementary, one middle and one high school
From grade 3 the district’s path is Big Creek Elementary, then North Polk Middle School, then North Polk High School. Enrollment is up 18% since 2020–21. 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 Polk City’s grade
A+: better than 98% of Iowa school districts, #2 of 140 Iowa towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Iowa average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Polk City, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Polk City
North Polk West Elementary School
Grades PK–2 · 396 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Kindergarten in Polk City
North Polk West Elementary School
Grades PK–2 · 396 students · 16:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Polk City
North Polk West Elementary School
Grades PK–2 · 396 students · 16:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Polk City
North Polk West Elementary School
Grades PK–2 · 396 students · 16:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Polk City
Big Creek Elementary
Grades 3–5 · 357 students · 14:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Polk City
Big Creek Elementary
Grades 3–5 · 357 students · 14:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Polk City
Big Creek Elementary
Grades 3–5 · 357 students · 14:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Polk City
North Polk Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 504 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Alleman
7th grade in Polk City
North Polk Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 504 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Alleman
8th grade in Polk City
North Polk Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 504 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Alleman
9th grade in Polk City
North Polk High School
Grades 9–12 · 644 students · 17:1 students per teacher · in Alleman
10th grade in Polk City
North Polk High School
Grades 9–12 · 644 students · 17:1 students per teacher · in Alleman
11th grade in Polk City
North Polk High School
Grades 9–12 · 644 students · 17:1 students per teacher · in Alleman
12th grade in Polk City
North Polk High School
Grades 9–12 · 644 students · 17:1 students per teacher · in Alleman
Polk City’s public schools are run by North Polk Community School District, which also serves Alleman, Elkhart and Sheldahl. Parts of Polk City (16% of its land) are served by Ankeny 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 above the state in reading
Polk City vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Iowa towns that share Polk City’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Polk City | A+ | North Polk |
Every school in Polk City
4 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 Polk City’s schools
Are Polk City’s schools good?
By Iowa’s own tests, yes: the public schools Polk City children attend outscore 98% of Iowa’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A+ Schools grade, #2 of 140 Iowa towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 89%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Polk City in?
North Polk Community School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 2,309 students in 5 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Polk City are served by Ankeny.
Where do Polk City kids go to high school?
North Polk High School in Alleman, with 644 students; its own test results earn an A+.
What is Polk City’s graduation rate?
95–100% of the class of 2023 in North Polk Community School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Iowa.
How much does Polk City spend per student?
$11,911 in North Polk Community School District (FY2024), against $13,713 across Iowa. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Polk City families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Polk 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.