The top reported proficiency rate is 91% in English language arts. The lowest is 87% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on North Polk Middle School
North Polk Middle School serves sixth through eighth grade in the very small, rural residential community of Alleman. The school is part of the North Polk Community School District, and Alleman itself functions as the district’s hub, housing three of the district’s four buildings, including the high school, the middle school, an elementary school, the bus barn, and the district office. The school campus effectively acts as the town’s center of activity, particularly given the absence of commercial businesses, a restaurant, or a community center in the town.
The middle school’s academic performance on state assessments is strong. Overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades places the school in the top quartile among Polk County districts. On the state's Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress, proficiency rates were high in math, English language arts, and science. The school saw high participation rates on these assessments as well. This is the only year of data available, so a trend line has not yet been established.
The student body is predominantly white, and a modest share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Data on students with an Individualized Education Program and English learners was not reported. Discipline, staffing, and attendance data were also absent from the available information.
Alleman itself is an interesting environment for a school. Its population has been essentially flat to slightly declining in recent decades, even as surrounding communities like Ankeny and Polk City have grown rapidly. The town lacks walkability infrastructure; streets are sidewalk-less and have no parks or trails, though officials have discussed installing sidewalks and paths to make trips to school safer. Growth is constrained by the lack of heavy sewer infrastructure, which limits density and is in line with residents’ preference for a rural character. A subdivision is under construction on the town’s south side, and a comprehensive plan calls for annexation along Interstate 35 for light industrial and commercial zoning. The school district itself is the most significant institutional employer based in Alleman.
A parent considering this school should know that the academic results, based on this year’s snapshot, are notably strong relative to other districts in the county. The peer environment is not highly diverse in terms of race or economic background. The town setting is very small and rural, with no commercial downtown and limited civic amenities; families coming from more urban or suburban places may find the area to be a significant adjustment. The district did not have any publicly reported recent changes such as bonds, curriculum shifts, or construction news that could be confirmed with sources, so that context is absent from this account. A family looking for a middle school with high measured academic performance in a quiet, low-density, rural residential setting within commuting distance of Des Moines likely fits here well. Families who want a more economically or racially diverse peer group, or who prefer a town with sidewalks, parks, and commercial services, will want to consider whether this environment serves their priorities.
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