The top reported proficiency rate is 84% in English language arts. The lowest is 61% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Glidden-ralston Jr-sr High School
Glidden-Ralston Jr-Sr High School serves grades seven through twelve as a regular public school in the small rural town of Glidden, Iowa, in Carroll County. The school is part of the Glidden-Ralston Community School District, which houses its entire K-12 program in a single building, a common arrangement in communities of this size. The town itself is primarily residential and agricultural, located on US Highway 30 between Carroll and Jefferson, and has experienced a modest population decline in recent years. Housing values in the area are below national benchmarks, and the cost of living is relatively low.
Academically, the school’s state assessment results show a clear strength in English language arts. A large majority of tested students met proficiency standards. Math proficiency is also solid, with a meaningful share of students scoring at the proficient level or above. Science performance is somewhat lower, though still within a range that many schools in rural Iowa see. The school participated heavily in state testing, with near-universal participation rates. Because the school serves only grades seven through twelve, the state testing data reflects the older middle and high school grades, and no results are available for the elementary grades that the building also houses; those would be reported separately for the district’s elementary program.
The student body is small in size, predominantly white, and includes a substantial share of students from households with economic need. Demographic data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available in the records used for this profile. The school’s small enrollment allows for a setting where students and staff are well known to one another, and families in the community often cite the close-knit environment as a defining feature.
When compared with other districts in Carroll County, the school’s overall proficiency index, which averages performance across tested subjects and grades, sits below the midpoint of the four districts in the county. This does not single out any failing, but it does indicate that some neighboring districts report higher composite results. A parent interested in comparative performance may want to examine individual subject scores and look into how the school addresses areas where proficiency is lower, such as science, to better understand how the school approaches those subjects.
The district has not reported a four-year graduation rate in the data available, so that measure cannot be assessed here. Similarly, chronic absenteeism data is missing. The school’s disciplinary environment, course access, staffing ratios, and program offerings are not detailed in the provided information. A parent exploring this school should consider asking the principal or district office directly about Advanced Placement, dual credit, career and technical education options, and student support services.
The community of Glidden offers a family-focused atmosphere with civic amenities including a public library, an aquatic center, wellness center, and parks. The town’s compact layout means the school building sits within easy reach of most homes. The city describes itself as progressive and tradition-oriented, and the school is a central institution in daily life. For families who value a small rural school with solid reading and math performance, a predominantly homogeneous peer environment, and an integrated community where the school and town are closely tied, Glidden-Ralston Jr-Sr High School fits that description. Those seeking broader programming, a larger and more diverse student body, or top-tier county results may want to investigate further to see if this school matches their priorities.
See more original research from School Decision →