The top reported proficiency rate is 97% in Math. The lowest is 93% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Denver Elementary School - Lincoln Street Building
Denver Elementary School - Lincoln Street Building serves kindergarten through fifth grade as a regular public school in the small town of Denver, Iowa, part of the Denver Community School District. For elementary families, this school stands out for its academic results, which place it among the strongest in Bremer County based on 2024-25 state testing. Across math, reading, and science, the share of students meeting or exceeding proficiency targets is very high, a pattern that holds for the school as a whole. The state’s ISASP assessments, taken by nearly every enrolled student in grades three through five, show attainment that ranks in the top tier when compared with other districts in the county. The school also scores well above typical proficiency rates for Iowa elementary schools in these subjects. A parent whose priority is strong foundational skills in core subjects will find a school that delivers consistently high results.
The student body is large enough to offer stable grade-level cohorts but small enough that a family is unlikely to feel anonymous. Enrollment draws almost entirely from the surrounding community, which is predominantly white. Economic diversity is limited: a modest share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, well below the state average. The school does not report data on students with individualized education programs or English learners, so a family whose child receives special education services or is learning English may want to ask the school directly about the level of support available. The school is a regular public school, not a charter or magnet, and no Title I designation was found in available records.
Denver itself is a fast-growing residential town in Bremer County, located within the Waterloo–Cedar Falls metropolitan area. Between recent census counts, the population rose notably, and home values have climbed steadily, reflecting demand in a community that is largely car-dependent with a small downtown. Most working residents commute by car, with average travel times typical of a rural metro fringe. The local economy is anchored in manufacturing, health care, and educational services. For a family moving to the area, the housing market has become more expensive, and the school’s performance adds to the town’s attraction as a place to raise school-age children.
Because the school serves only elementary grades, there is no graduation rate or college-going metric to report, and state testing data is available only for grades three through five. The school environment measures often included in state civil rights reports—discipline rates, chronic absenteeism, staff qualifications—are absent from the data provided. A parent looking for insight into school climate or teacher experience will need to seek that information from the district or during a school visit. The district brief turned up no recent major changes such as boundary shifts, curriculum overhauls, or referendums, so the school appears to be operating on a stable footing.
In sum, Denver Elementary School - Lincoln Street Building offers a strong academic foundation in a growing, predominantly residential community. Its high proficiency rates across tested subjects make it a clear draw for families who value traditional academic achievement. The lack of available data on special populations and school environment means that families with specific needs should verify supports directly. The setting is car-oriented and the town is expanding, so a family should also consider whether the pace of local growth and the commute patterns fit their lifestyle.
See more original research from School Decision →