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Taft Middle School

5200 E Ave Nw
Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
(School attendance zone shown in map)
4/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 596 students in grades 6-8, Taft Middle 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 70% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70% (which is equal to 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 32% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 596 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 32%
  • : Bottom 50% in IA
  • : 70% (Btm 50%)
  • : 70% (Btm 50%)
  • : 60-64% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

School Overview

Taft Middle School's student population of 596 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has grown by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
596 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
Year Founded
1980
School Calendar
School Motto
Every Learner. Future Ready.

School Rankings

Taft Middle 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 Taft Middle School is 0.51, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.47. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (IA)
#739 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
70%
68%
70%
70%
60-64%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
7%
13%
Black
14%
7%
White
68%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
9%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.51
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
36%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taft Middle School's ranking?
Taft Middle School is ranked #739 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Taft Middle School often compared to?
Taft Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 70% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Taft Middle School?
596 students attend Taft Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of Taft Middle School students are White, 14% of students are Black, 9% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Taft Middle School?
Taft Middle School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Taft Middle School offer ?
Taft Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Taft Middle School part of?
Taft Middle School is part of Cedar Rapids Community School District.
In what neighborhood is Taft Middle School located?
Taft Middle School is located in the Cedar Hills neighborhood of Cedar Rapids, IA. There are 3 other public schools located in Cedar Hills.

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 596 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 32%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 70% (Btm 50%)
  • : 70% (Btm 50%)
  • : 60-64% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

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