Summary:
The 50651 zip code area is home to two schools - Union High School and La Porte City Elementary School, both part of the Union Community School District. While Union High School has a more diverse student population, La Porte City Elementary stands out as a high-performing school, consistently ranking among the top elementary schools in Iowa with exceptional test scores, particularly in mathematics.
La Porte City Elementary School boasts a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger in the 2021-2022 school year and a 4-star rating in 2022-2023, with over 90% of students proficient or better in grades 3-5 mathematics. In contrast, Union High School has a 3-star rating, with test scores above the state averages but not reaching the same level of excellence as the elementary school. The high school also has a higher percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch compared to the elementary school.
While Union High School spends more per student than La Porte City Elementary, this higher spending does not necessarily translate to better outcomes. The student-teacher ratio is relatively low at both schools, which may contribute to their academic success. Overall, the data highlights the importance of examining school-level performance and demographics, as the stark contrast in performance between the two schools in the same district suggests that factors beyond just funding and resources play a significant role in student achievement.
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