Central Decatur Community School District is a rural public school district for Decatur County, Iowa, headquartered in the community of Leon, Iowa. The district contains students from Decatur City, Grand River, Davis City, and Pleasanton. The district covers over 60% of Decatur County.
Serving 291 students in grades 7-12, Central Decatur Ms/hs High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 58% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 291 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 5%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 58% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central Decatur Ms/hs High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Central Decatur Ms/hs High School's student population of 291 students has declined by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
291 students
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Linking learning to life by empowering every student every day to be respectful, excellent, and dedicated.
School Rankings
Central Decatur Ms/hs High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central Decatur Ms/hs High School is 0.10, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#762 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
58%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
75%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
3%
14%
Black
n/a
7%
White
95%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
46%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
14%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Decatur Ms/hs High School's ranking?
Central Decatur Ms/hs High School is ranked #762 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Central Decatur Ms/hs High School often compared to?
Central Decatur Ms/hs High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Nodaway Valley High School, Lamoni High School, Winterset Senior High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
58% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 75% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central Decatur Ms/hs High School?
The graduation rate of Central Decatur Ms/hs High School is 95%, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend Central Decatur Ms/hs High School?
291 students attend Central Decatur Ms/hs High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Central Decatur Ms/hs High School students are White, 3% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central Decatur Ms/hs High School?
Central Decatur Ms/hs High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Central Decatur Ms/hs High School offer ?
Central Decatur Ms/hs High School offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Central Decatur Ms/hs High School part of?
Central Decatur Ms/hs High School is part of Central Decatur Comm School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
we have many academic ratings in our school. Every single student is in at least one or more academic program. I have never met a student that had been held back for bad grades.
There are so many people in music, arts and sports. The students here are very athletic in many ways. If the students are not passing they will be excused from the team. The music is the part what keeps our school together. The band and chorus directors are awsome!
The high school team for basketball went to state in 2006. We also had the baseball team and softball team go to state as well. We have geography bees held every single year. Last year Austin Hall a seventh grader currently won.
The facility is very good. The teachers work very hard to keep us safe.
The parents are involved with so much. They help with the dances and school activities. We involve the parents as much as we can. The parents give so much to the school.
Review Central Decatur Ms/hs High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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