Photo: Tim Fontenot · Public domainIowa’s public schools outscore 81% of Louisiana districts
The grade covers the public school district serving Iowa, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. 36% of students in Iowa’s public schools are proficient in math, above the Louisiana average (32%). Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Louisiana, not nationally.
From Louisiana 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.
Iowa’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 185 Louisiana towns with household incomes within a quarter of Iowa’s, its schools beat 66%, lower than their 81% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 47% and math 36% in spring 2022, against 42% and 32% statewide; 90% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 83%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $17,252 per student, against $15,623 across Louisiana (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle school
From grade 6 the district’s path is Iowa High School. 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 Iowa’s grade
A−: better than 81% of Louisiana school districts, #51 of 162 Louisiana towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Louisiana average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Iowa, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Iowa
J. I. Watson Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 531 students · 13:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Iowa
J. I. Watson Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 531 students · 13:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Iowa
J. I. Watson Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 531 students · 13:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Iowa
J. I. Watson Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 531 students · 13:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Iowa
J. I. Watson Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 531 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Iowa’s public schools are run by Calcasieu Parish School District, which also serves DeQuincy, Lake Charles, Sulphur and Vinton and others. 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.
Above the state in reading
Iowa vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Louisiana towns that share Iowa’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | A− | Calcasieu Parish |
Every school in Iowa
2 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Louisiana’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Iowa’s schools
Are Iowa’s schools good?
By Louisiana’s own tests, yes: the public schools Iowa children attend outscore 81% of Louisiana’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #51 of 162 Louisiana towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 66%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Iowa in?
Calcasieu Parish School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 27,851 students in 56 schools (2024–25).
What is Iowa’s graduation rate?
90% of the class of 2023 in Calcasieu Parish School District graduated in four years, against 83% across Louisiana.
How much does Iowa spend per student?
$17,252 in Calcasieu Parish School District (FY2024), against $15,623 across Louisiana. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Iowa families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Iowa → 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 Louisiana. Stars are from neighbors.