Our students all know each other, across grades, and they treat each other well. They come from the US and from 9 other nations of Africa, Asia, and Europe. Classes are small, 15 students or fewer. On the national Iowa Assessments in 2022 23% of our students scored in the 99th percentile in reading, with 44% at the 95th percentile or above. In math 16% scored in the 99th percentile and 39% scored at the 95th percentile or above. The whole-school average scores in reading were at the 89th percentile and at the 91st percentile in math. We have students who score lower than those high values, clearly; we work with all students, each one with a unique mix of abilities across subjects. On average our students of all abilities gained 2.6 grades in reading in one year and 2.0 grades in math. Students get individualized study plans. Six of our 7 teachers have degrees from M.S. to Ph.D. and they are free to generate great curricula. Our Chinese and Spanish teachers are both native speakers. Our learning environment is rich in books (7,000), scientific equipment and supplies (to post-Ph.D. level). We have novel choir chimes groups. Students relish after-school clubs – this year, 2022-23, for theater, math, engineering, board games, and sign language. They present a play each year and sing in performances each semester. Our location is quiet and scenic; our building is a former large art gallery. We have field trips in our broad area to such venues as farms, museums, and petroglyph sites. Our school day is long (8:30-4:10, to 3:35 for kindergarten through 2nd grade) with refreshing breaks. Our school year is a full 180 days of engagement with teachers, reserving parts of several days for student-organized parties.
Speaking of standing out, as in, standing outside, here’s our school photo:
