Ames Comm School District

Ames Comm School District serves 4,336 students across eight schools in Story County, Iowa. The district has experienced a significant 10.3% enrollment decline from the prior year, representing a notable shift in student population. The district operates with 340 teachers, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 12.8:1, slightly better than many comparable districts.

Academically, Ames performs above state averages in foundational areas. Math proficiency stands at 76.0% compared to the state average of 73.1%, while reading proficiency reaches 77.3% against a state average of 75.2%. However, the graduation rate of 86.3% falls considerably below the state average of 91.5%, indicating a potential area of concern. Chronic absenteeism at 19.2% represents a meaningful challenge affecting student engagement.

The district serves a diverse student population with notable needs. Economically disadvantaged students comprise 34.2% of enrollment, while 7.7% are English learners and 14.4% receive special education services. Racial demographics show 65.4% White students, with Black, Hispanic, and Asian students representing 11.1%, 12.9%, and 8.6% respectively.

Financially, the district operates on a per-pupil spending of $8,357, below the state average of $9,131. With a total budget of $83.8 million, revenue relies heavily on local sources at 58.7%, with state funding at 35.6% and federal funding at 5.7%, reflecting a funding structure dependent on local tax bases.