The top reported proficiency rate is 64% in English language arts. The lowest is 52% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Mckinley Steam Academy
McKinley STEAM Academy is a public middle school in Cedar Rapids that serves grades six through eight. It is part of the Cedar Rapids Community School District, the second largest in Iowa, and its name signals a focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The school building is located on the southeast side of the city, near the Cedar River, in a neighborhood that mixes older homes with a range of housing values close to the state average. Rents in the area have risen noticeably in the past year, reflecting broader pressure in a metro that has seen steady growth and a recent major data center investment.
The student body is modest in size for a middle school and is economically diverse. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Racially, the school is roughly half white, with a significant Black population, a smaller share of students who are two or more races, and a modest Hispanic presence. Asian and Native American students make up a very small part of the enrollment. This composition gives the school a more diverse peer environment than some of the more homogeneous districts in Linn County, but it is not unusual for a Cedar Rapids school.
Academically, McKinley's state assessment results from the 2024-2025 school year place it in the bottom quartile among district peers in Linn County when looking at overall proficiency across tested subjects. More than half of students scored at the proficient level or above in math, about six in ten did so in English language arts, and about half were proficient in science (science is tested only in eighth grade, so that figure comes from a smaller group). These are not weak numbers in absolute terms, but they are noticeably below the median for the county. A parent considering this school should ask how the STEAM focus is implemented in daily instruction and whether the school offers additional supports for students who are not yet meeting standards. The district has been navigating budget cuts and staff reductions in recent years, which could affect class sizes and program availability, though the school's STEAM designation may attract dedicated resources.
The school is a regular public school, not a charter or magnet, and there is no publicly available information about its Title I status, discipline practices, or staffing ratios. Because it serves only middle grades, there is no graduation rate to report. The district's broader picture includes a multi-year facilities plan that has opened new elementary schools and closed older ones, meaning the feeder pattern into McKinley has shifted. Families living in the attendance zone should verify which elementary schools now feed into it.
Cedar Rapids itself is a mid-sized city that functions as the economic hub of Eastern Iowa, with a strong industrial base in grain processing and aerospace. Major employers include Collins Aerospace, CRST, and a large Quaker Oats mill. The downtown area has cultural institutions, but the city is still recovering from a major flood years ago and has been investing in new infrastructure. The housing market is more affordable than the national average, with values slightly below the state benchmark, and the metro has seen population growth.
For a family, McKinley STEAM Academy offers a middle school option with a thematic focus in a district that is making changes to its facilities and budget. The academic performance is below the county median, but the school's size and diversity may appeal to families who want a more varied peer environment. A parent should visit the school, ask about the STEAM curriculum, and understand how the district's recent budget reductions have affected this building specifically. The absence of data on discipline, attendance, and staff qualifications means those are questions to raise directly with the school.
See more original research from School Decision →