Serving 344 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Buford Garner Elementary 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 70% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 67% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 344 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 39%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 70% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 67% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Buford Garner Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Buford Garner Elementary School's student population of 344 students has declined by 31% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has declined by 19% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
344 students
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Year Founded
2009
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
Average Class Size
21 students
School Rankings
Buford Garner Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Buford Garner Elementary School is 0.59, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#774 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
12%
14%
Black
13%
7%
White
61%
70%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
12%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buford Garner Elementary School's ranking?
Buford Garner Elementary School is ranked #774 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Buford Garner Elementary School often compared to?
Buford Garner Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Penn Elementary School, North Bend Elementary School, James Van Allen Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 67% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Buford Garner Elementary School?
344 students attend Buford Garner Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Buford Garner Elementary School students are White, 13% of students are Black, 12% of students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Buford Garner Elementary School?
Buford Garner Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Buford Garner Elementary School offer ?
Buford Garner Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Buford Garner Elementary School part of?
Buford Garner Elementary School is part of Iowa City Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Buford Garner Elementary School located?
Buford Garner Elementary School is located in the Penn neighborhood of North Liberty, IA. There are 3 other public schools located in Penn.
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