The top reported proficiency rate is 60% in Math. The lowest is 43% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Hunt Elementary School
Hunt Elementary School serves students from prekindergarten through fifth grade in the Sioux City Community School District, a regular public school in the northwestern Iowa city. It is one of many elementary buildings in a district that covers Sioux City and nearby areas. The school sits on the west side of the city in a neighborhood of modest homes; housing values in the area are below state and national medians, making it a relatively affordable pocket for families. The surrounding housing market has shown moderate appreciation, though the cost of entry remains manageable compared to larger metropolitan markets in Iowa.
The student body is notably diverse and economically disadvantaged. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, placing the school in a high-poverty bracket. In terms of racial and ethnic composition, a majority of students identify as Hispanic, with significant representation from Black, White, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and multiracial backgrounds. This mix gives the school a genuinely multicultural feel, though it also means the student population faces challenges associated with concentrated poverty. The school does not report data on English learner or special education enrollment, so a parent may want to ask the district directly about English language supports and special education services.
On state assessments, results are mixed and sit below the average for elementary schools across Woodbury County. The proficiency index, which averages math, reading, and science scores for tested grades, places Hunt in the bottom quartile relative to districts in Woodbury County. In math, about half of students met the state’s proficiency bar. In English language arts, the share was slightly lower. Science performance was the weakest of the three subjects, with fewer than half of tested students reaching proficiency. These figures come from the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress for the 2024-25 school year, the only year of testing data available, so it is not yet possible to see a trend. The school’s participation rate was sufficient, so the results reflect most students in the tested grades.
Because Hunt Elementary only serves through fifth grade, there is no graduation rate or high school course access to consider. The school focuses on building foundational academic skills in a supportive, neighborhood-based setting. There is no public information available about specific programs, extracurricular offerings, or school climate metrics such as chronic absenteeism or discipline. A family evaluating Hunt would want to visit the building and speak with staff about early literacy interventions, enrichment opportunities, and how the school supports students from diverse language backgrounds.
The housing context reinforces the school’s role in a working-class part of Sioux City. Home values in the area are substantially lower than the state average, and monthly mortgage costs, even at current interest rates, are modest relative to typical household incomes in the region. Rents are similarly manageable. For a family looking for an affordable entry point into homeownership in Sioux City, Hunt’s attendance zone offers one of the more budget-friendly options in the district.
Overall, Hunt Elementary is a high-poverty, diverse neighborhood school where academic proficiency rates lag behind county norms. A parent considering this school should expect a student body that is economically and culturally varied and should be prepared to engage with the school around academic support, particularly in science and reading. The lack of publicly reported data on program offerings and student support services means that a direct conversation with the school will be essential to get a full picture. For families who value a close-knit, diverse elementary setting in an affordable part of Sioux City, Hunt offers that foundation, with academic outcomes that warrant further inquiry.
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