- James Elementary School — 0.9 mi · Grades K–5 · 249 students
- Eisenhower Elementary School — 1.3 mi · Grades K–5 · 248 students
- Horace Mann Elementary School — 1.3 mi · Grades K–5 · 250 students
- Gateway High School — 1.4 mi · Grades 9–12 · 213 students
- Ottumwa High School — 2.4 mi · Grades 10–12 · 910 students
- Wilson Elementary School — 2.5 mi · Grades K–5 · 335 students
- Evans Junior High School — 2.9 mi · Grades 8–9 · 684 students
- Ottumwa Virtual Learning — 2.9 mi · Grades PK–12 · 106 students
| Metric | Ottumwa Community School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 4,990 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 11 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $13,112/yr | $17,619/yr | ↓ 26% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottumwa Community School District (this district) | 1/10 | 4th | 4,990 |
| Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District | 5/10 | 40th | 964 |
| Cardinal Community School District | 3/10 | 26th | 1,074 |
| Pekin Community School District | 5/10 | 43rd | 642 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 316 rated districts in IA → 4th percentile → 1/10.
Source: Iowa Dept. of Education ISASP, grades 3–8 ELA & Math, Proficient, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Ottumwa Community School District
Zip code 52501 in Ottumwa, Iowa is served by Ottumwa Community School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K–12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Ottumwa Community School District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Ottumwa 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.
Ottumwa 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 52501
Children in zip code 52501 are assigned to Ottumwa 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 52501, 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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Ottumwa Community School District serves zip code 52501, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 52501. 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 Ottumwa 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 52501.
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 Ottumwa Community School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 52501 data.