The top reported proficiency rate is 84% in English language arts. The lowest is 76% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Solon Intermediate
Solon Intermediate serves fourth and fifth graders in the Solon Community School District, a public school system set in a fast-growing bedroom town near Iowa City, Coralville, and Cedar Rapids. The school itself is a regular public school, not a charter or magnet, and it sits within a district that NCES classifies as rural fringe. That classification matches the feel of the place: Solon is a small town with a downtown core along Main Street and Iowa Highway 1, where the city offices and school buildings sit within a few blocks of each other. Most residents commute to the larger cities for work, and the local economy leans heavily on educational services, health care, and food service, with the school district itself likely the largest single employer in town.
Academically, Solon Intermediate posts results that sit above the midpoint relative to districts in Johnson County. Proficiency rates across the tested subjects are solidly positive. In English language arts, about four out of five students meet or exceed the state standard. Mathematics comes in at a similar level, though a bit lower. Science, which is tested only at certain grades within the band, also shows strong results. These are the only state test data available, and they cover a single year. The school’s participation rate was complete, so the results reflect nearly every enrolled student. Because Solon Intermediate only covers two grade levels, there is no graduation rate to report, and the school does not offer advanced coursework or dual-credit pathways typical of high schools.
The student body is small and demographically homogeneous. Enrollment is modest for a two-grade school, and the overwhelming majority of students are white. A very small share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, which is consistent with the affluence of the surrounding community. Data on students with disabilities and English learners were not reported in the available civil rights data, so a family seeking that information would need to ask the school directly. Discipline records and chronic absenteeism rates were also absent from the available data.
Housing in Solon is expensive compared with state and national benchmarks. The town has seen rapid residential growth on its east, west, and south edges, driven by its appeal as an affordable alternative to the larger Iowa City area. Median home values are well above the national figure, and the rental market is also on the higher side. For families moving in, the housing cost may be a significant consideration. The district itself is feeling that growth pressure. A bond referendum to fund a new elementary school and high school additions failed by a narrow margin in early 2023, leaving the district over capacity at the elementary level with projected enrollment increases in the coming years. Families considering Solon Intermediate should be aware that overcrowding and facility constraints are active issues the district is working through.
The town offers proximity to Lake MacBride State Park and the Coralville Reservoir, recreational amenities that local officials cite as part of the community’s appeal. Police protection is contracted through the county sheriff, and the fire department is volunteer. The city is actively seeking proposals for a city centre development and fire station redevelopment, signaling continued civic investment.
For a parent weighing options, Solon Intermediate presents a straightforward picture. Academic outcomes are strong and consistent with the affluent, predominantly white community it serves. The school is small, focused on two grades, and embedded in a district that is wrestling with growth. Families who value high proficiency rates and a close-knit, low-diversity peer environment will find a lot to like. Those who want more socioeconomic diversity, a wider range of program offerings, or a district without enrollment pressures may want to explore further. The missing data on special populations and discipline are gaps the school can fill directly.
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