Ames High School

Summary:

Ames High School is a public high school serving 1,403 students in grades 9-12 in Ames, Iowa, which is part of the Ames Community School District. The school consistently outperforms the state average on standardized tests, with 79.5% of 10th graders proficient or better in English Language Arts compared to the state average of 73.8%. Ames High School also has a more diverse student population than many surrounding schools, with 64.5% White, 9.41% African American, 11.12% Hispanic, and 8.48% Asian students.

Ames High School spends $11,820 per student, which is higher than the state average and several nearby schools. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 16.8, which is higher than some surrounding schools like South Hamilton Middle And High School (13.4) and Colo-NESCO Middle/High School (10.5). Despite the higher student-teacher ratio, Ames High School has maintained a strong academic performance, consistently ranking among the top high schools in Iowa.

When compared to nearby high schools, Ames High School stands out for its academic achievements, diverse student population, and higher spending per student. Schools like North Polk High School, Gilbert High School, and Roland-Story High School have higher test scores and rankings, but they also serve smaller and less diverse student populations.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 1801 Ridgewood Drive
       Ames, IA  50010


(515) 817-0600

District: Ames Community School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
132nd of 338 Iowa High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $11,820 Help


Feeder schools for Ames High School:

Elementary:    Edwards Elementary School
    Fellows Elementary School
    Meeker Elementary School
    Mitchell Elementary School
    More...
Middle:    Ames Middle School

Student/teacher ratio:  16.8 Help
Number of students:  1,403

Racial breakdown:

White:
64.5%
Hispanic:
11.1%
African American:
9.4%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  30% Help


 See top rated Iowa high schools

 Compare Ames High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Ames High School ranks better than 60.9% of high schools in Iowa. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 62.59. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (64.5%), Hispanic (11.1%), African American (9.4%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 30% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Ames High School is 16.8. (See more...)
Help
Compare Ames High School employs 83.1 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Ames High School is $11,820.
Schooldigger Rankings:

Ames High School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.
SchoolDigger ranks Ames High School 132nd of 338 Iowa public high schools. (See Ames High School in the ranking list.)

Ames Community School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Ames Community School District 132nd of 309 Iowa school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Ames High School.

What do you think?

Your rating for Ames High School?

Rank History for Ames High School

Help
Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2012 72.25 79th 351 77.5%
2013 78.10 35th 351 90.0%
2014 70.62 98th 322 69.6%
2015 71.93 85th 324 73.8%
2016 88.34 17th 320 94.7%
2017 66.92 111th 325 65.8%
2018 80.05 26th 320 91.9%
2019 81.42 28th 327 91.4%
2021 69.56 82nd 327 74.9%
2022 60.86 132nd 332 60.2%
2023 66.46 103rd 336 69.3%
2024 62.59 132nd 338 60.9%
See the entire list of Iowa High School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Iowa Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Ames High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    





Data source: Iowa Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3)
50%

0%

0%

0%

50%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Friday, March 19, 2010

Open Quote The Ames school district is one that I will never put my child back in. The way they deal with harassment is horrible, especially of the Junior high and Senior High level. My daughter was bullied so much, which the school did nothing about, that the only option left was to transfer her. AHS is NOT the place to be! Close Quote


by a citizen
Friday, January 30, 2009

Open Quote ames high school is a great school
in fact it is a national best high school
as declared by us news and world magazine
go ahs!

go little cyclones!
little cyclones ames high nickname
and finally the ames high motto
ames high aims high!
ames high is the place to be! Close Quote



Enrollment information for Ames High School

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 1212 25 66 10 3 n/a n/a 0 1316
1989 1069 26 95 24 6 n/a n/a 0 1220
1990 1131 24 86 22 7 n/a n/a 0 1270
1991 1143 33 95 24 6 n/a n/a 0 1301
1992 1212 33 98 15 1 n/a n/a 0 1359
1993 1246 36 97 15 9 n/a n/a 0 1403
1994 1239 43 100 14 5 n/a n/a 0 1401
1995 1423 54 75 36 5 n/a n/a 0 1593
1996 1423 54 75 36 5 n/a n/a 0 1593
1997 1399 46 80 25 2 n/a n/a 0 1552
1998 1441 54 96 34 5 n/a n/a 0 1630
1999 1438 76 116 28 3 n/a n/a 0 1661
2000 1488 74 108 23 2 n/a n/a 0 1695
2001 1382 61 116 27 5 n/a n/a 0 1591
2002 1331 89 99 41 5 n/a n/a 0 1565
2003 1331 89 99 41 5 n/a n/a 0 1565
2004 1312 80 128 38 5 n/a n/a 0 1563
2005 1231 91 108 39 5 n/a n/a 0 1474
2006 1256 80 111 42 6 n/a n/a 0 1495
2007 1192 89 114 39 5 n/a n/a 0 1439
2008 1187 106 115 40 3 n/a n/a 0 1451
2009 1136 114 121 41 5 n/a n/a 0 1417
2010 1089 113 109 61 6 1 43 0 1422
2011 1087 100 106 56 3 1 53 0 1406
2012 1049 102 104 65 5 1 49 0 1375
2013 996 103 107 69 2 0 51 0 1328
2014 962 101 102 59 4 0 43 0 1271
2015 948 94 106 77 5 0 41 0 1271
2016 910 101 113 89 4 0 53 0 1270
2017 895 104 110 102 3 0 63 0 1277
2018 931 118 106 98 2 0 73 0 1328
2019 972 129 101 114 2 1 65 0 1384
2020 951 132 86 143 1 0 70 0 1383
2021 919 151 92 133 2 0 73 0 1370
2022 929 146 105 167 3 0 67 2 1419
2023 905 132 119 156 3 0 77 11 1403

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Ames High School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1316 82.2 16.0 8.8
1989 1220 78.3 15.5 9.6
1990 1270 81.3 15.6 8.8
1991 1301 82.3 15.8 11.1
1992 1359 81.0 16.7 9.9
1993 1403 81.1 17.3 8.6
1994 1401 84.6 16.6 8.1
1995 1593 84.6 18.8 9.3
1996 1593 84.6 18.8 9.3
1997 1552 88.2 17.6 9.3
1998 1630 102.4 15.9 8.5
1999 1661 104.6 15.9 13.1
2000 1695 104.6 16.2 10.6
2001 1591 96.0 16.6 9.8
2002 1565 102.2 15.3 8.8
2003 1565 102.2 15.3 8.8
2004 1563 100.0 15.6 12.9
2005 1474 95.2 15.5 10
2006 1495 95.6 15.6 13.4
2007 1439 96.0 15.0 12.8
2008 1451 93.0 15.6 14.4
2009 1417 94.4 15.0 17
2010 1422 92.4 15.3 18.8
2011 1406 75.6 18.5 20
2012 1375 79.8 17.2 20.6
2013 1328 79.0 16.7 20.5
2014 1271 78.0 16.2 20.2
2015 1271 78.0 16.2 22.8
2016 1270 78.0 16.2 24.5
2017 1277 77.1 16.5 26.2
2018 1328 75.0 17.6 25.2
2019 1384 79.3 17.4 26.7
2020 1383 80.3 17.2 25.1
2021 1370 81.3 16.8 30.8
2022 1419 81.8 17.3 26.1
2023 1403 83.1 16.8 30

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Ames High School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1316 82.2 16.0 8.8
1989 1220 78.3 15.5 9.6
1990 1270 81.3 15.6 8.8
1991 1301 82.3 15.8 11.1
1992 1359 81.0 16.7 9.9
1993 1403 81.1 17.3 8.6
1994 1401 84.6 16.6 8.1
1995 1593 84.6 18.8 9.3
1996 1593 84.6 18.8 9.3
1997 1552 88.2 17.6 9.3
1998 1630 102.4 15.9 8.5
1999 1661 104.6 15.9 13.1
2000 1695 104.6 16.2 10.6
2001 1591 96.0 16.6 9.8
2002 1565 102.2 15.3 8.8
2003 1565 102.2 15.3 8.8
2004 1563 100.0 15.6 12.9
2005 1474 95.2 15.5 10
2006 1495 95.6 15.6 13.4
2007 1439 96.0 15.0 12.8
2008 1451 93.0 15.6 14.4
2009 1417 94.4 15.0 17
2010 1422 92.4 15.3 18.8
2011 1406 75.6 18.5 20
2012 1375 79.8 17.2 20.6
2013 1328 79.0 16.7 20.5
2014 1271 78.0 16.2 20.2
2015 1271 78.0 16.2 22.8
2016 1270 78.0 16.2 24.5
2017 1277 77.1 16.5 26.2
2018 1328 75.0 17.6 25.2
2019 1384 79.3 17.4 26.7
2020 1383 80.3 17.2 25.1
2021 1370 81.3 16.8 30.8
2022 1419 81.8 17.3 26.1
2023 1403 83.1 16.8 30

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Ames High School

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $335 (2.8%) $11,486 (97.2%) $11,820

Data source: Iowa Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Ames High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 28th of 327 High schoolsRanks 103rd of 336 High schools
 22.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
10th Grade English Language Arts (Ames High School)84.780
 4.7%
   10th Grade English Language Arts (Ames Community School District)84.780
 4.7%
   10th Grade English Language Arts (Iowa)74.372.9
 1.4%
10th Grade Mathematics (Ames High School)79.477
 2.4%
   10th Grade Mathematics (Ames Community School District)79.477
 2.4%
   10th Grade Mathematics (Iowa)67.167
 0.1%
11th Grade English Language Arts (Ames High School)85.177.1
 8%
   11th Grade English Language Arts (Ames Community School District)85.177.1
 8%
   11th Grade English Language Arts (Iowa)71.468.7
 2.7%
11th Grade Mathematics (Ames High School)79.873.9
 5.9%
   11th Grade Mathematics (Ames Community School District)79.873.9
 5.9%
   11th Grade Mathematics (Iowa)66.967.3
 0.4%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students13841403
 1.4%
African American129132
 2.3%
American Indian23
 50%
Asian101119
 17.8%
Hispanic114156
 36.8%
Pacific Islander10
 100%
White972905
 6.9%
Two or More Races6577
 18.5%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients26.7%30%
 3.3%


Schools Near Ames High School









Frequently Asked Questions about Ames High School

Students at Ames High School are 65% White, 11% Hispanic, 9% African American, 8% Asian, 5% Two or more races.

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,403 students attended Ames High School.

Ames High School ranks 132nd of 338 Iowa high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.


Rate Ames High School!



Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Ames High School!




SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Iowa Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





Diagnostics
t12_190354000050 retrieved from Memory in 0 milliseconds.
None retrieved from Database in 42 milliseconds.