Excelsior Middle School vs Harding Middle School
A head-to-head comparison of two middle schools in Iowa, United States, 174 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Excelsior Middle School
Marion · Public middle · Grades 7–8
594 students
Harding Middle School
Des Moines · Public middle · Grades 6–8
603 students
| Measure | Excelsior Middle School Marion, Iowa | Harding Middle School Des Moines, Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 88 Top 5% | 31 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #17 of 239 | #238 of 239 |
| National rank | #444 of 15,369 | #11806 of 15,369 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Middle | Middle |
| Year range | Grades 7–8 | Grades 6–8 |
| Students | 594 | 603 |
| Enrollment | 594 | 603 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 28.5% | 88.6% |
| Students per teacher | 13.5 | 15.9 |
| Reading proficiency | 82% | 36% |
| Math proficiency | 83% | 38% |
| city | Marion | Des Moines |
| state | Iowa | Iowa |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Excelsior Middle School scores higher on the Success Index (US) (88.1 vs 30.6).
- •Excelsior Middle School does better on math proficiency (83% vs 38%).
- •Excelsior Middle School does better on reading proficiency (82% vs 36%).
- •Excelsior Middle School does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (28.5% vs 88.6%).
- •Excelsior Middle School does better on students per teacher (13.5 vs 15.9).
- •Harding Middle School is the larger school with 603 students compared with 594.
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 Excelsior Middle School better than Harding Middle School?
On the Success Index (US), Excelsior Middle School ranks higher (88.1 vs 30.6 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 Excelsior Middle School and Harding Middle School?
About 174 km in a straight line, between Marion and Des Moines in Iowa.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Excelsior Middle School: 594. Harding Middle School: 603. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Excelsior Middle School and Harding Middle School rank in Iowa?
Excelsior Middle School is 17th of 239 and Harding Middle School is 238th of 239 among middle schools in Iowa on the 2025 Success Index (US).