The top reported proficiency rate is 91% in Math. The lowest is 79% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on St Ansgar Elementary School
St. Ansgar Elementary School is a regular public school serving prekindergarten through fifth grade, located in the small Mitchell County town of St. Ansgar, Iowa. It is part of the St. Ansgar Community School District and operates as a standalone elementary campus; the district also includes a middle and high school, but this building covers the youngest students. The school has an enrollment that is modest for a PK-5 building, and the grade spans are evenly distributed, with a slight bump in kindergarten and fourth grade.
The town itself is a compact agricultural community with a stable and slowly declining population. St. Ansgar brands itself as the “Garden Spot of Iowa” and has an active downtown with shops and restaurants, restored historic homes, and several civic anchors including Halvorson Park on the Cedar River, a public pool, a golf course, and the South Square Community Center. Walkability is limited, however; a community visioning assessment identified a lack of safe pedestrian routes connecting the school and its aquatic center to other parts of town. The elementary school sits within this small-town setting, and for families living in or near St. Ansgar, the campus is a central part of daily life.
Academically, the school posted strong results on Iowa’s state assessment (ISASP) in the most recent testing year. In math, a very high share of students met or exceeded proficiency standards, and in English language arts the proficiency rate was similarly high. Science scores, tested only at certain grade levels, were also solid, with the majority of students reaching proficiency. Because the school serves only early and elementary grades, there are no graduation rate data—that metric applies to high schools, not this building. The available single-year test results place the school in a strong position within Mitchell County; when compared to other district-level proficiency indexes across the county, this school’s performance sits in the top quartile. The county has only two districts, so the comparison set is small, but the school’s results are notably above the midpoint of that group.
The student body is predominantly white, with a small Hispanic population and a handful of students who identify with two or more races. No students are reported as Black, Asian, or Native American. About a quarter of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a moderate level of economic need that is typical for rural Iowa communities. Data on students with disabilities and English learners were not reported in the available profile, so a parent who wants details about special education services or language support would need to ask the school directly.
The district context adds a forward-looking note. St. Ansgar Community School District recently received a state STEM BEST Program award and a grant that will add a truck driving simulator for students in grades 8 through 12, expanding career and technical education options. That initiative is aimed at the secondary level, not the elementary school, but it signals a district-wide emphasis on hands-on career pathways that may continue to develop as younger students move up through the system. No specific program offerings or special academic tracks were listed for the elementary school itself, and there is no information about before- or after-school programming, so families should inquire about enrichment and support offerings directly.
Housing in the area reflects a relatively affordable market compared to national benchmarks. The typical home value in St. Ansgar’s zip code is roughly in line with the Iowa state average, and the economic context shows moderate unemployment and median household income near the national figure. For a family considering a move to the community, the school’s academic record is a clear strength, while the town’s walkability limitations and stable population are practical details to weigh. Overall, St. Ansgar Elementary offers a strong foundation in core subjects within a small-town public school setting, with a district that is investing in career-connected learning for its older students.
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