Serving 92 students in grades 9-12, Alternative 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 30-39% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-69% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 92 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 27%
- Graduation Rate: 60-69% (Btm 50% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-69% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥50% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Alternative School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
School Overview
Alternative School's student population of 92 students has grown by 29% over five school years.
The teacher population of 6 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
92 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
6 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
The Mason City Community School District provides responsive learning opportunities grounded in collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity for all students.
School Rankings
Alternative 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 Alternative School is 0.44, which is less 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
#1063 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
2%
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
11%
13%
Black
12%
7%
White
73%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
60-69%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
57%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
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 Alternative School's ranking?
Alternative School is ranked #1063 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Alternative School often compared to?
Alternative Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Metro High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 60-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Alternative School?
The graduation rate of Alternative School is 60-69%, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend Alternative School?
92 students attend Alternative School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Alternative School students are White, 12% of students are Black, 11% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Alternative School?
Alternative School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Alternative School offer ?
Alternative School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Alternative School part of?
Alternative School is part of Mason City Community School District.
School Reviews
Review Alternative 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
How ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools Support Students on Free / Reduced-Lunch Programs
Explore how U.S. public schools support students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch through nutrition, academic, and wraparound services in 2025.
Hidden Costs of ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools: Fees, Supplies & Extras
Explore the hidden costs in public schools—fees, supplies, extracurriculars—and how parents can plan for them in 2025.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø School Funding 2025: What Families Should Know
Essential insights on public school funding in 2025—how it works, what’s changing, and what families should know to stay ahead.
