The top reported proficiency rate is 75% in Math. The lowest is 68% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on New London Jr-sr High School
New London Jr-Sr High School serves students in sixth through twelfth grade as a regular public school within the New London Community School District. The school sits in a small, predominantly rural town in Henry County, a community that has experienced modest population decline and remains heavily car-dependent. Most residents commute to work by private vehicle, and the town’s civic and commercial life clusters along Main Street, with the school located a short distance from that core. Families moving here should expect a traditional small-town setting with limited public transit and a quiet, low-density footprint.
Academically, the school posts solid results that place it in the top quartile relative to districts in Henry County. Across the subjects and grades tested, overall proficiency is notably higher than the median among the county’s districts. In the most recent state assessments, a clear majority of students met proficiency standards in math and English language arts, and science results were similarly strong. The school’s performance compares favorably with its local peers, and a parent considering the area will find an academic pathway that generally exceeds county averages. Only a single year of data is available for trend analysis, so it is not yet possible to say whether these results are part of a pattern of improvement or stability. The school participates in the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress, and participation rates were very high, meaning the results reflect nearly all enrolled students in the tested grades.
The student body is relatively small, as is typical for a rural combined junior-senior high school. The great majority of students identify as white, with small shares of Black, Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial students. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, which is an indicator that some families face economic challenges. The school does not appear to be a Title I school, and information on special education enrollment and English learner numbers was not included in the available data, so a parent may want to ask the district directly about support services for those populations.
The community itself is fully rural by land use. Housing values in the area are below the state average, and homeownership rates are high, which may appeal to families seeking an affordable place to buy a home. Property values have appreciated modestly in recent years, even as the town’s population and employment base have shrunk. No new large residential or commercial developments were identified in publicly available sources, suggesting that growth is not currently a driving force. The local economy is anchored by health care, manufacturing, and retail, with many residents commuting to nearby Mount Pleasant or other regional centers for work. Civic amenities include a public library, a community center, and a city park, but there is no public transit system.
We looked for information on high school graduation rates, but none were reported for this school in the data provided. Because the school serves grades six through twelve, a graduation rate is typically expected; its absence may reflect a data gap rather than a lack of graduates. A parent should confirm the on-time graduation rate with the district. Similarly, we found no available details on chronic absenteeism, discipline, course access, or specific program offerings such as Advanced Placement, dual credit, or career and technical education pathways. Parents interested in the breadth of the high school curriculum should request that information directly from the school.
Overall, New London Jr-Sr High School offers a solid academic foundation in a very small, rural school environment. Its proficiency levels are a clear strength relative to other Henry County schools, and the setting provides the kind of close-knit, low-cost community that suits families who value affordability and a quiet pace of life. For families who want a wide array of specialized programs or a more diverse peer population, it may be worth exploring further with the district to see what options exist within the school and through regional partnerships.
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