Central Middle School vs Southdale Elementary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Iowa, United States, 3.4 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Central Middle School
Waterloo · Public middle · Grades 6–8
469 students
Southdale Elementary School
Cedar Falls · Public elementary · Grades PK–6
539 students
| Measure | Central Middle School Waterloo, Iowa | Southdale Elementary School Cedar Falls, Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 48 Lower 50% | 88 Top 5% |
| State rank | #226 of 239 | #46 of 654 |
| National rank | #8050 of 15,369 | #1372 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Middle | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades 6–8 | Grades PK–6 |
| Students | 469 | 539 |
| Enrollment | 469 | 539 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 85.1% | 22.1% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 14.2 |
| Reading proficiency | 45% | 82% |
| Math proficiency | 53% | 83% |
| city | Waterloo | Cedar Falls |
| state | Iowa | Iowa |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Southdale Elementary School scores higher on the Success Index (US) (87.8 vs 48.1).
- •Southdale Elementary School does better on math proficiency (83% vs 53%).
- •Southdale Elementary School does better on reading proficiency (82% vs 45%).
- •Southdale Elementary School does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (22.1% vs 85.1%).
- •Central Middle School does better on students per teacher (13.4 vs 14.2).
- •Southdale Elementary School is the larger school with 539 students compared with 469.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Central Middle School better than Southdale Elementary School?
On the Success Index (US), Southdale Elementary School ranks higher (87.8 vs 48.1 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Central Middle School and Southdale Elementary School?
About 3.4 km in a straight line, between Waterloo and Cedar Falls in Iowa.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Central Middle School: 469. Southdale Elementary School: 539. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Central Middle School and Southdale Elementary School rank in Iowa?
Central Middle School is 226th of 239 and Southdale Elementary School is 46th of 654 among middle schools in Iowa on the 2025 Success Index (US).