The Iowa Department of Education released its 2025 School Performance Profiles this fall, providing updated ratings for each public school across the state under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

The South Tama County Community School District — which includes an elementary, middle, and high school — saw mixed results in this year’s report, with one building improving, one declining slightly, and one remaining relatively steady.

South Tama Elementary

South Tama Elementary received an Acceptable rating this year — a slight drop from last year’s Commendable — with a score of 429.52 (out of 700). In 2024, the school scored 448.67, also out of 700.

The building serves 459 students in grades K-4 and remains identified for Targeted IEP support under ESSA.

Key performance measures:

Percent proficient in English Language Arts (ELA): 66.67%

Percent proficient in Mathematics: 71.58%

Chronic absenteeism: 13.84% (percent of students present for fewer than 90% of enrolled days)

South Tama Middle School

South Tama Middle School maintained a Needs Improvement designation in 2025 but posted an increase in its overall score — up to 382.43 (out of 700) from 369.83 last year.

The 5-8 building, which serves 413 students, continues under Targeted IEP and ELL status, now in Targeted Year 2 of support.

Key performance measures:

Percent proficient in English Language Arts (ELA): 66.67%

Percent proficient in Mathematics: 61.38%

Percent proficient in Science: 61.41%

Chronic absenteeism: 17.63% (percent of students present for fewer than 90% of enrolled days)

South Tama High School

The high school showed the largest improvement districtwide, climbing from a Priority rating last year to Needs Improvement in 2025. Its score rose from 448.31 (out of 900) in 2024 to 501.44 this year — a notable gain of more than 50 points.

The 9-12 building serves 421 students and remains in Targeted IEP and ELL Year 2 status.

Key performance measures:

4-year graduation rate: 91.41% (state average 87.46%)

Percent proficient in English Language Arts (ELA): 65.32%

Percent proficient in Mathematics: 53.69%

Percent proficient in Science: 53.26%

Chronic absenteeism: 21.59% (percent of students present for fewer than 90% of enrolled days)

Postsecondary readiness (college credit earned in HS): 65%

Superintendent response

In an email to the News Chronicle, Superintendent John Cain weighed in on the profile results and what they mean going forward.

“As you can see, the elementary dropped slightly while the middle school went up slightly. The high school showed the greatest gains. We continue to have student groups in which we need to work towards meeting their needs more effectively,” he said.

Cain also elaborated on targeted ways to improve scores.

“Our staff is working hard and we are confident that we have many pieces in place throughout the system. Now it is about effectively implementing the plan throughout the system. While we were hoping for better results, we are seeing the growth that we are making and need for that to continue as we move forward,” he said.

Statewide results

Statewide, about 56% of Iowa schools fell into the top three categories (Exceptional, High Performing, or Commendable), according to the Department of Education’s 2025 summary. Chronic absenteeism continues to challenge schools, with roughly 19% of Iowa students attending fewer than 90% of their school days.

The six statewide designations include:

Exceptional, High Performing, Commendable, Acceptable, Needs Improvement, and Priority/Comprehensive.

Full results are available through the official Iowa School Performance Profiles site at

https://www.iaschoolperformance.gov/ECP/Home/Index.