Serving 228 students in grades Kindergarten-5, James Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 228 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 64%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
James Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
James Elementary School's student population of 228 students has grown by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has grown by 28% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
228 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Motto
Be the Best
School Rankings
James Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James Elementary School is 0.76, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.47. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1165 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
21%
13%
Black
17%
7%
White
36%
71%
Hawaiian
20%
1%
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
75%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James Elementary School's ranking?
James Elementary School is ranked #1165 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are James Elementary School often compared to?
James Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Horace Mann Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend James Elementary School?
228 students attend James Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
36% of James Elementary School students are White, 21% of students are Hispanic, 20% of students are Hawaiian, 17% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James Elementary School?
James Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does James Elementary School offer ?
James Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is James Elementary School part of?
James Elementary School is part of Ottumwa Comm School District.
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