Serving 205 students in grades Prekindergarten-4, Dayton Center ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 80-84% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is approximately equal to the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 205 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 11%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 80-84% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Dayton Center ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Student Attention
School Overview
Dayton Center's student population of 205 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
205 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
'Truth and Honor'
Average Class Size
15 students
School Rankings
Dayton Center ranks within the top 30% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Dayton Center is 0.21, 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
#360 out of 1223 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-84%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
70%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
6%
13%
Black
2%
7%
White
89%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dayton Center's ranking?
Dayton Center is ranked #360 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Dayton Center often compared to?
Dayton Centeris often viewed alongside schools like Manson Northwest Webster Elementary School, Early Childhood Center by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
80-84% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Dayton Center?
205 students attend Dayton Center.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
89% of Dayton Center students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Black, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Dayton Center?
Dayton Center has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Dayton Center offer ?
Dayton Center offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-4 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Dayton Center part of?
Dayton Center is part of Southeast Valley Community School District.
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