High Schools in Newton Community School District

The Newton Community School District in Iowa is home to two high schools: Newton Senior High School and WEST Academy Alternative School. While Newton Senior High School is the larger of the two with 818 students, WEST Academy serves a smaller population of 61 students.

Newton Senior High School has seen a decline in its statewide ranking over the past three years, dropping from 221 out of 332 Iowa high schools in 2021-2022 to 258 out of 338 in 2023-2024. Its performance on ISASP tests is generally below the state average, with proficiency rates ranging from 58.1% to 71.4% across different grade levels and subject areas. In contrast, WEST Academy Alternative School has an extremely low statewide ranking, placing 332 out of 338 Iowa high schools in 2023-2024, and its ISASP test scores are significantly below the state and district averages, with proficiency rates ranging from 17.6% to 52.9% for 11th-grade students.

The data also reveals disparities in student demographics and socioeconomic status between the two high schools. Newton Senior High School has a relatively diverse student population, while WEST Academy Alternative School serves a higher percentage of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, with 80.33% of its students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. This suggests the need to examine the factors contributing to these disparities and ensure equitable access to quality education for all students in the Newton Community School District.