Serving 249 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 66% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 249 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 66%
- 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 249 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has grown by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
249 students
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Blue and Gold
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 0.48. 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
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
23%
14%
Black
16%
7%
White
34%
70%
Hawaiian
22%
1%
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)31.7%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
67%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
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?
249 students attend James Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
34% of James Elementary School students are White, 23% of students are Hispanic, 22% of students are Hawaiian, 16% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% 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.
School Reviews
Review James Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
