The top reported proficiency rate is 69% in Math. The lowest is 58% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Lincoln Intermediate
Lincoln Intermediate serves only fifth and sixth graders in Mason City, a regional hub in north-central Iowa. Because it covers just two grades, many of the metrics used to evaluate a full K-12 school do not apply here. There is no graduation rate, no chronic absenteeism data, and no information on discipline or course access in the available records. That is not a sign of trouble; it simply reflects that this is an intermediate school, not a high school.
The school is part of the Mason City Community School District, which operates within a city that functions as a commercial, industrial, and cultural center for the region. Mason City has a diversified economy anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and education, with major employers including a regional medical center, food processing plants, and a community college. The city's population has been gradually declining over recent decades, and the housing market reflects a modestly priced market relative to state and national benchmarks. The district itself did not have any major recent changes publicly reported that would reshape a family's decision.
Lincoln Intermediate serves just two grade levels, fifth and sixth, and its enrollment is concentrated in those years. The student body is predominantly white, with Hispanic students making up the next largest group, followed by smaller shares of Black, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and multiracial students. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, which is a common indicator of economic need in public schools. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available in the records reviewed.
On state assessments, Lincoln Intermediate's results show a mixed picture. In math, a solid majority of students scored at or above the proficiency threshold. In English language arts, the share was similar. Science results were lower, with a smaller majority reaching proficiency. When compared to other districts in Cerro Gordo County, Lincoln Intermediate's overall proficiency index fell in the bottom quartile. That comparison is based on a small set of districts, so the range is narrow, but it does place the school behind the middle of the pack in the county. A parent may want to ask the school about its approach to science instruction and how it supports students who are not yet meeting benchmarks.
The school's participation rates on state tests were high, which means the results reflect nearly the entire student body, not a selective subset.
Lincoln Intermediate is a regular public school, not a charter or magnet. It does not serve high school grades, so there is no graduation rate to report. The school's location on South Pennsylvania Avenue places it within Mason City, a community with a traditional downtown, a community college, and a mix of cultural assets including a Frank Lloyd Wright hotel and a museum. Housing in the area is priced well below state and national averages, and the local economy includes a range of employers from healthcare to manufacturing.
For a family considering this school, the key takeaway is that Lincoln Intermediate is a straightforward intermediate school serving two grades in a regional hub city. Its academic results are mixed, with math and English language arts showing a solid majority of students meeting benchmarks while science trails. The school's position relative to other districts in Cerro Gordo County is on the lower end, though the comparison set is small. A parent may want to ask about science instruction and how the school addresses the gap between its math and English results and its science performance. The school does not offer high school programs, so families will need to consider the district's middle and high school options separately. The community context is stable, with a diversified local economy and a housing market that is more affordable than the state and national averages.
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