NEW SHARON – North Mahaska learned this past week that they are among the top 40 percent of elementary schools in the state of Iowa. The school ranks 19th out of more than 500 schools. The study and report were prepared by “U.S. News & World Report’s Best Schools Rankings.” 

North Mahaska Elementary Principal Amber Goemaat was glowing when she informed the school board of the report. In a message to her staff, Goemaat reiterated how special she feels about her school.

“I know I’ve said it before, but I cannot be prouder of the school we are and the school that we are striving to be,” said Goemaat in an email to staff. “You are all amazing. Keep up the fantastic work.”

According to the study, the student population of North Mahaska Elementary School is 353 and the school serves PK-6. At North Mahaska, 82 percent of elementary students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 87 percent scored at or above that level for reading. The school’s minority student enrollment is 5 percent. 

According to the study NM Elementary has a good student to teacher ratio at 16:1. Student population is nearly even with 48percent female students and 52 percent male. The study shows the school enrolls 34 percent economically disadvantaged students. There are 22 equivalent full-time teachers and 1 full-time school counselor.

North Mahaska’s math proficiency is 82 percent and Reading at 87 percent.

West Bend-Mallard in northwest Iowa is ranked number one followed by Hopewell Elementary in Pleasant Valley. Other area schools in the top 100 is Montezuma at 25th, BGM 31 and Pekin at 77. 

Information on the report for North Mahaska may be found at: https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/iowa/school-208356.