- Carter Lake Elementary School — 6.2 mi · Grades PK–5 · 301 students
- Lewis & Clark Elementary School — 6.4 mi · Grades PK–5 · 271 students
- Hoover Elementary School — 7.2 mi · Grades PK–5 · 401 students
- Woodrow Wilson Middle School — 7.2 mi · Grades 6–8 · 855 students
- Gerald W Kirn Middle School — 7.3 mi · Grades 6–8 · 913 students
- Roosevelt Elementary School — 7.4 mi · Grades PK–5 · 455 students
- Anne E. Nelson Early Learning Center — 7.4 mi · Grades PK–PK · 119 students
- Franklin Elementary School — 7.6 mi · Grades PK–5 · 421 students
| Metric | Council Bluffs Community School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 8,784 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 15 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $15,997/yr | $17,619/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council Bluffs Community School District (this district) | 1/10 | 8th | 8,784 |
| Missouri Valley Community School District | 3/10 | 25th | 756 |
| Underwood Community School District | 10/10 | 93rd | 833 |
| Lewis Central Community School District | 4/10 | 37th | 3,022 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 316 rated districts in IA → 8th percentile → 1/10.
Source: Iowa Dept. of Education ISASP, grades 3–8 ELA & Math, Proficient, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Council Bluffs Community School District
Families in zip code 51526 (Crescent, Iowa) are assigned to Council Bluffs Community School District for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Council Bluffs Community School District 1 out of 10 — low-rated among Iowa public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Iowa’s ISASP grades 3–8 ELA & Math assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Iowa is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Council Bluffs Community School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Iowa on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 51526
Children in zip code 51526 are assigned to Council Bluffs Community School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 51526, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Council Bluffs Community School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Iowa districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Crescent
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Council Bluffs Community School District serves zip code 51526, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 51526. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Iowa, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Council Bluffs Community School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 51526.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Council Bluffs Community School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 51526 data.