The top reported proficiency rate is 91% in Math. The lowest is 87% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Roland-story Elementary School
Roland-Story Elementary School serves students from prekindergarten through fourth grade in Story City, a small central Iowa town with deep Scandinavian roots and a historic downtown. The school is part of the Roland-Story Community School District, which was formed years ago through a merger of the Roland and Story City districts. The elementary building sits within the community rather than on a separate campus, and the town’s civic life—built around a historic opera house, an antique carousel, seasonal festivals, and parks along the Skunk River—gives the school a close-knit, locally anchored feel.
Academically, the school stands out among its county peers. On the most recent state assessments, students posted strong proficiency rates in both math and English language arts. When measured against other districts in Story County, the school’s overall proficiency index lands in the top quartile. This is a clear asset for families looking for a strong start in the early grades. Only one year of test data was available, so it is not possible to see a trend, but the single snapshot shows a high level of attainment.
The student body is moderate in size for an elementary school serving these grades. The population is predominantly white, with small shares of Hispanic students and students identifying as two or more races. About a modest share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available, so a parent who needs specific support information should ask the school directly. The school does not report Title I status, and the district brief did not turn up recent changes or strategic initiatives worth noting, so the picture is one of stability rather than active transformation.
Story City itself has grown modestly in population over the past decade. Its economy is anchored by manufacturing, packaging, and senior living employers, and the town is an Iowa Main Street Community with ongoing revitalization efforts. Housing values in the area are somewhat above the statewide typical level, and the market appears relatively stable. The town is small and auto-oriented, though the historic downtown offers walkable pockets with shops and the theater. For families, this means a straightforward small-town environment—no major new housing developments are reported, but the community is established and amenities are within easy reach.
Because the school serves only early elementary grades, there is no graduation rate to consider. The next step for students after fourth grade would be the district’s upper elementary or middle school, which is not covered here. Parents should verify the feeder pattern if that matters to their planning.
The overall message is that Roland-Story Elementary provides strong early academic performance in a stable, small-town setting with a clear sense of place. The main open questions for a family would be about special education, English learner services, and how the school supports students who need extra help—information the school can provide directly.
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