Serving 596 students in grades 6-8, Taft Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 63% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 64%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70% (which is equal to the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 596 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 32%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 63% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Taft Middle School's student population of 596 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
596 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Taft Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,233 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Taft Middle School is 0.51, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.47. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#754 out of 1233 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
64%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
7%
13%
Black
14%
7%
White
68%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
9%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
36%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Taft Middle School's ranking?
Taft Middle School is ranked #754 out of 1,233 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Taft Middle School often compared to?
Taft Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
63% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% IA state average), while 70% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Taft Middle School?
596 students attend Taft Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of Taft Middle School students are White, 14% of students are Black, 9% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Taft Middle School?
Taft Middle School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Taft Middle School offer ?
Taft Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Taft Middle School part of?
Taft Middle School is part of Cedar Rapids Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Taft Middle School located?
Taft Middle School is located in the Cedar Hills neighborhood of Cedar Rapids, IA. There are 3 other public schools located in Cedar Hills.
School Reviews
Review Taft Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
December 16, 2024
Personalized Learning: Revolutionizing Education for the 21st CenturyExplore the revolutionary approach of Personalized Learning in K-12 education. This article discusses the benefits, challenges, and potential of tailoring education to individual student needs, incorporating technology and adaptive learning methods to prepare students for the 21st century.
