Ames High School

Q: Is Ames High School a good school?

Ames High School ranks 132 nd of 338 Iowa high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Summary:

Ames High School is a public high school serving 1,403 students in grades 9-12 in Ames, Iowa, which is part of the Ames Community School District. The school consistently outperforms the state average on standardized tests, with 79.5% of 10th graders proficient or better in English Language Arts compared to the state average of 73.8%. Ames High School also has a more diverse student population than many surrounding schools, with 64.5% White, 9.41% African American, 11.12% Hispanic, and 8.48% Asian students.

Ames High School spends $11,820 per student, which is higher than the state average and several nearby schools. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 16.8, which is higher than some surrounding schools like South Hamilton Middle And High School (13.4) and Colo-NESCO Middle/High School (10.5). Despite the higher student-teacher ratio, Ames High School has maintained a strong academic performance, consistently ranking among the top high schools in Iowa.

When compared to nearby high schools, Ames High School stands out for its academic achievements, diverse student population, and higher spending per student. Schools like North Polk High School, Gilbert High School, and Roland-Story High School have higher test scores and rankings, but they also serve smaller and less diverse student populations.

Detail:

Public 9-12

1801 Ridgewood Drive
Ames, IA 50010

(515) 817-0600

District: Ames Community School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
132^nd of 338 Iowa High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $11,820

Feeder schools for Ames High School:

Elementary:	Edwards Elementary School
	Fellows Elementary School
	Meeker Elementary School
	Mitchell Elementary School
	More...
	Northwood Pre-School
	Sawyer Elementary School
Middle:	Ames Middle School

Student/teacher ratio: 17.4

Number of students: 1,427

Racial breakdown:

White:

64.1%

Hispanic:

11.9%

African American:

9.4%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 30.3%

See top rated Iowa high schools

Compare Ames High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Ames High School ranks better than 60.9% of high schools in Iowa. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 62.59. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Ames High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (64.1%), Hispanic (11.9%), African American (9.4%). (See more...)

Compare Details 30.3% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Ames High School is 17.4. (See more...)

Compare Ames High School employs 82 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Ames High School is $11,820.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Ames High School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks Ames High School 132^nd of 338 Iowa public high schools. (See Ames High School in the ranking list.)

Ames Community School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Ames Community School District 132^nd of 309 Iowa school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Ames High School.

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Rank History for Ames High School

Compare

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	IA State Percentile
2012	72.25	79^th	351	77.5%
2013	78.10	35^th	351	90.0%
2014	70.62	98^th	322	69.6%
2015	71.93	85^th	324	73.8%
2016	88.34	17^th	320	94.7%
2017	66.92	111^th	325	65.8%
2018	80.05	26^th	320	91.9%
2019	81.42	28^th	327	91.4%
2021	69.56	82^nd	327	74.9%
2022	60.86	132^nd	332	60.2%
2023	66.46	103^rd	336	69.3%
2024	62.59	132^nd	338	60.9%

See the entire list of Iowa High School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Iowa Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Data source: Iowa Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3)

50%

Reviews:

by a parent
Friday, March 19, 2010

The Ames school district is one that I will never put my child back in. The way they deal with harassment is horrible, especially of the Junior high and Senior High level. My daughter was bullied so much, which the school did nothing about, that the only option left was to transfer her. AHS is NOT the place to be! Close Quote

by a citizen
Friday, January 30, 2009

ames high school is a great school
in fact it is a national best high school
as declared by us news and world magazine
go ahs!

go little cyclones!
little cyclones ames high nickname
and finally the ames high motto
ames high aims high!
ames high is the place to be! Close Quote

Enrollment information for Ames High School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1988	1212	25	66	10	3	n/a	n/a	0	1316
1989	1069	26	95	24	6	n/a	n/a	0	1220
1990	1131	24	86	22	7	n/a	n/a	0	1270
1991	1143	33	95	24	6	n/a	n/a	0	1301
1992	1212	33	98	15	1	n/a	n/a	0	1359
1993	1246	36	97	15	9	n/a	n/a	0	1403
1994	1239	43	100	14	5	n/a	n/a	0	1401
1995	1423	54	75	36	5	n/a	n/a	0	1593
1996	1423	54	75	36	5	n/a	n/a	0	1593
1997	1399	46	80	25	2	n/a	n/a	0	1552
1998	1441	54	96	34	5	n/a	n/a	0	1630
1999	1438	76	116	28	3	n/a	n/a	0	1661
2000	1488	74	108	23	2	n/a	n/a	0	1695
2001	1382	61	116	27	5	n/a	n/a	0	1591
2002	1331	89	99	41	5	n/a	n/a	0	1565
2003	1331	89	99	41	5	n/a	n/a	0	1565
2004	1312	80	128	38	5	n/a	n/a	0	1563
2005	1231	91	108	39	5	n/a	n/a	0	1474
2006	1256	80	111	42	6	n/a	n/a	0	1495
2007	1192	89	114	39	5	n/a	n/a	0	1439
2008	1187	106	115	40	3	n/a	n/a	0	1451
2009	1136	114	121	41	5	n/a	n/a	0	1417
2010	1089	113	109	61	6	1	43	0	1422
2011	1087	100	106	56	3	1	53	0	1406
2012	1049	102	104	65	5	1	49	0	1375
2013	996	103	107	69	2	0	51	0	1328
2014	962	101	102	59	4	0	43	0	1271
2015	948	94	106	77	5	0	41	0	1271
2016	910	101	113	89	4	0	53	0	1270
2017	895	104	110	102	3	0	63	0	1277
2018	931	118	106	98	2	0	73	0	1328
2019	972	129	101	114	2	1	65	0	1384
2020	951	132	86	143	1	0	70	0	1383
2021	919	151	92	133	2	0	73	0	1370
2022	929	146	105	167	3	0	67	2	1419
2023	905	132	119	156	3	0	77	11	1403
2024	915	134	113	170	2	0	73	20	1427

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Ames High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	1316	82.2	16.0	8.8
1989	1220	78.3	15.5	9.6
1990	1270	81.3	15.6	8.8
1991	1301	82.3	15.8	11.1
1992	1359	81.0	16.7	9.9
1993	1403	81.1	17.3	8.6
1994	1401	84.6	16.6	8.1
1995	1593	84.6	18.8	9.3
1996	1593	84.6	18.8	9.3
1997	1552	88.2	17.6	9.3
1998	1630	102.4	15.9	8.5
1999	1661	104.6	15.9	13.1
2000	1695	104.6	16.2	10.6
2001	1591	96.0	16.6	9.8
2002	1565	102.2	15.3	8.8
2003	1565	102.2	15.3	8.8
2004	1563	100.0	15.6	12.9
2005	1474	95.2	15.5	10
2006	1495	95.6	15.6	13.4
2007	1439	96.0	15.0	12.8
2008	1451	93.0	15.6	14.4
2009	1417	94.4	15.0	17
2010	1422	92.4	15.3	18.8
2011	1406	75.6	18.5	20
2012	1375	79.8	17.2	20.6
2013	1328	79.0	16.7	20.5
2014	1271	78.0	16.2	20.2
2015	1271	78.0	16.2	22.8
2016	1270	78.0	16.2	24.5
2017	1277	77.1	16.5	26.2
2018	1328	75.0	17.6	25.2
2019	1384	79.3	17.4	26.7
2020	1383	80.3	17.2	25.1
2021	1370	81.3	16.8	30.8
2022	1419	81.8	17.3	26.1
2023	1403	83.1	16.8	30
2024	1427	82.0	17.4	30.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Ames High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	1316	82.2	16.0	8.8
1989	1220	78.3	15.5	9.6
1990	1270	81.3	15.6	8.8
1991	1301	82.3	15.8	11.1
1992	1359	81.0	16.7	9.9
1993	1403	81.1	17.3	8.6
1994	1401	84.6	16.6	8.1
1995	1593	84.6	18.8	9.3
1996	1593	84.6	18.8	9.3
1997	1552	88.2	17.6	9.3
1998	1630	102.4	15.9	8.5
1999	1661	104.6	15.9	13.1
2000	1695	104.6	16.2	10.6
2001	1591	96.0	16.6	9.8
2002	1565	102.2	15.3	8.8
2003	1565	102.2	15.3	8.8
2004	1563	100.0	15.6	12.9
2005	1474	95.2	15.5	10
2006	1495	95.6	15.6	13.4
2007	1439	96.0	15.0	12.8
2008	1451	93.0	15.6	14.4
2009	1417	94.4	15.0	17
2010	1422	92.4	15.3	18.8
2011	1406	75.6	18.5	20
2012	1375	79.8	17.2	20.6
2013	1328	79.0	16.7	20.5
2014	1271	78.0	16.2	20.2
2015	1271	78.0	16.2	22.8
2016	1270	78.0	16.2	24.5
2017	1277	77.1	16.5	26.2
2018	1328	75.0	17.6	25.2
2019	1384	79.3	17.4	26.7
2020	1383	80.3	17.2	25.1
2021	1370	81.3	16.8	30.8
2022	1419	81.8	17.3	26.1
2023	1403	83.1	16.8	30
2024	1427	82.0	17.4	30.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Ames High School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$335 (2.8%)	$11,486 (97.2%)	$11,820

Data source: Iowa Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Ames High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 28^th of 327 High schools	Ranks 103^rd of 336 High schools	22.1%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
10th Grade English Language Arts (Ames High School)	84.7	80	4.7%
10th Grade English Language Arts (Ames Community School District)	84.7	80	4.7%
10th Grade English Language Arts (Iowa)	74.3	72.9	1.4%
10th Grade Mathematics (Ames High School)	79.4	77	2.4%
10th Grade Mathematics (Ames Community School District)	79.4	77	2.4%
10th Grade Mathematics (Iowa)	67.1	67	0.1%
11th Grade English Language Arts (Ames High School)	85.1	77.1	8%
11th Grade English Language Arts (Ames Community School District)	85.1	77.1	8%
11th Grade English Language Arts (Iowa)	71.4	68.7	2.7%
11th Grade Mathematics (Ames High School)	79.8	73.9	5.9%
11th Grade Mathematics (Ames Community School District)	79.8	73.9	5.9%
11th Grade Mathematics (Iowa)	66.9	67.3	0.4%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	1384	1403	1.4%
African American	129	132	2.3%
American Indian	2	3	50%
Asian	101	119	17.8%
Hispanic	114	156	36.8%
Pacific Islander	1	0	100%
White	972	905	6.9%
Two or More Races	65	77	18.5%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	26.7%	30%	3.3%

Schools Near Ames High School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				ISASP English Language Arts (2024)							ISASP Mathematics (2024)							ISASP Science (2024)			Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	ISASP English Language Arts 5th Grade	ISASP English Language Arts 6th Grade	ISASP English Language Arts 7th Grade	ISASP English Language Arts 8th Grade	ISASP English Language Arts 9th Grade	ISASP English Language Arts 10th Grade	ISASP English Language Arts 11th Grade	ISASP Mathematics 5th Grade	ISASP Mathematics 6th Grade	ISASP Mathematics 7th Grade	ISASP Mathematics 8th Grade	ISASP Mathematics 9th Grade	ISASP Mathematics 10th Grade	ISASP Mathematics 11th Grade	ISASP Science 5th Grade	ISASP Science 8th Grade	ISASP Science 10th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Ames High School	Public	9-12	1801 Ridgewood Drive	Ames	50010	Story County	Ames Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 817-0600	1,427	82	17.4	30.3%	915 (64.1%)	134 (9.4%)	170 (11.9%)	113 (7.9%)	2 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	73 (5.1%)	62.6	132^nd of 338 public high schools	60.9%		66.5	103^rd of 336 public high schools	69.3%	29					80.5	79.5	76.5					66.9	73.6	72.8			67.5	$11,820	$335	$11,486
Gilbert High School	Public	9-12	312 Gretten	Gilbert	50105	Story County	Gilbert Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 232-3738	528	34	15.5	8.9%	463 (87.7%)	7 (1.3%)	30 (5.7%)	18 (3.4%)	3 (0.6%)	1 (0.2%)	6 (1.1%)	94.3	3^rd of 338 public high schools	99.1%		95.3	1^st of 336 public high schools	99.7%	2					96.2	94.7	97.4					93.1	89.3	92.2			90.8	$13,554	$195	$13,359
Ballard High School	Public	9-12	701 Ballard Drive	Huxley	50124	Story County	Ballard Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 597-2971	553	36	15.5	14.8%	519 (93.9%)	11 (2.0%)	17 (3.1%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.4%)	3 (0.5%)	75.5	57^th of 338 public high schools	83.1%		78.9	40^th of 336 public high schools	88.1%	17					82.5	79.5	84.5					77.9	81.2	85.9			68.1	$13,456	$266	$13,189
Nevada High School	Public	9-12	1001 15th St	Nevada	50201	Story County	Nevada Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 382-3521	503	31	16.1	34.8%	409 (81.3%)	7 (1.4%)	48 (9.5%)	6 (1.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	31 (6.2%)	48.1	206^th of 338 public high schools	39.1%		45.8	207^th of 336 public high schools	38.4%	1					77.1	80.0	63.6					63.6	64.0	63.6			65.6	$17,734	$550	$17,184
Roland-Story High School	Public	9-12	1009 Story St	Story City	50248	Story County	Roland-Story Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 733-4329	344	21	16.5	19.8%	311 (90.4%)	4 (1.2%)	20 (5.8%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (2.3%)	84.8	15^th of 338 public high schools	95.6%		85.7	21^st of 336 public high schools	93.8%	6					89.2	85.1	84.6					84.3	86.5	84.6			81.1	$12,856	$97	$12,759
Boone High School	Public	9-12	400 7th St	Boone	50036	Boone County	Boone Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 433-0890	720	47	15.3	35.8%	618 (85.8%)	10 (1.4%)	53 (7.4%)	1 (0.1%)	2 (0.3%)	2 (0.3%)	33 (4.6%)	44.3	224^th of 338 public high schools	33.7%		41.6	226^th of 336 public high schools	32.7%	2					84.1	70.2	71.7					65.9	60.7	57.8			56.0	$15,367	$528	$14,838
Madrid High School	Public	9-12	599 N Kennedy	Madrid	50156	Boone County	Madrid Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 795-3240	200	15	13.1	21.5%	185 (92.5%)	1 (0.5%)	9 (4.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (2.5%)	75.2	61^st of 338 public high schools	82.0%		58.5	147^th of 336 public high schools	56.3%	86					91.1	87.0	80.5					77.8	76.1	70.7			71.7	$15,049	$71	$14,978
North Polk High School	Public	9-12	13930 NE 6th St	Alleman	50007	Polk County	North Polk Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 984-3400	647	37	17.4	12.2%	602 (93.0%)	5 (0.8%)	24 (3.7%)	3 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	12 (1.9%)	87.2	12^th of 338 public high schools	96.4%		89.5	13^th of 336 public high schools	96.1%	1					87.5	89.3	87.2					85.5	86.2	90.9			81.0	$14,567	$255	$14,312
Collins-Maxwell Middle/High School	Public	6-12	400 Metcalf St.	Maxwell	50161	Story County	Collins-Maxwell Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 387-1115	208	19	10.8	37.5%	182 (87.5%)	4 (1.9%)	14 (6.7%)	3 (1.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (2.4%)	46	216^th of 338 public high schools	36.1%		45.3	212^th of 336 public high schools	36.9%	4		78.4	53.8	95.5	78.6	86.7	72.2		75.7	69.2	72.7	57.1	60.0	72.2		81.8	46.7	$17,207	$223	$16,984
Colo-NESCO Middle/High School	Public	5-12	919 West St	Colo	50056	Story County	Colo-NESCO Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(641) 377-2282	219	21	10.3	43.4%	199 (90.9%)	1 (0.5%)	13 (5.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (2.7%)	71.8	81^st of 338 public high schools	76.0%		58.5	146^th of 336 public high schools	56.5%	65	90.9	87.0	66.7	66.7	96.0	79.3	85.2	90.9	73.9	66.7	71.4	84.0	75.9	70.4	72.7	33.3	62.1	$15,098	$523	$14,575

Frequently Asked Questions about Ames High School

What is the racial makeup of Ames High School?

Students at Ames High School are 64% White, 12% Hispanic, 9% African American, 8% Asian, 5% Two or more races, 1% Not Specified.

What schools feed into Ames High School?

Ames High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Edwards Elementary School
Elementary : Fellows Elementary School
Elementary : Meeker Elementary School
Elementary : Mitchell Elementary School
Elementary : Northwood Pre-School
Elementary : Sawyer Elementary School
Middle : Ames Middle School

Is Ames High School a good school?

Ames High School ranks 132^nd of 338 Iowa high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Ames High School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 1,427 students attended Ames High School.

What district is Ames High School in?

Ames Community School District

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Iowa Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.