Lenihan Intermediate School vs Merrill Middle School
A head-to-head comparison of two middle schools in Iowa, United States, 81 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Lenihan Intermediate School
Marshalltown · Public middle · Grades 5–6
655 students
Merrill Middle School
Des Moines · Public middle · Grades 6–8
657 students
| Measure | Lenihan Intermediate School Marshalltown, Iowa | Merrill Middle School Des Moines, Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 57 Top 50% | 72 Top 25% |
| State rank | #212 of 239 | #155 of 239 |
| National rank | #6031 of 15,369 | #2878 of 15,369 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Middle | Middle |
| Year range | Grades 5–6 | Grades 6–8 |
| Students | 655 | 657 |
| Enrollment | 655 | 657 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 78.3% | 43.7% |
| Students per teacher | 12.6 | 16.8 |
| Reading proficiency | 51% | 69% |
| Math proficiency | 61% | 68% |
| city | Marshalltown | Des Moines |
| state | Iowa | Iowa |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Merrill Middle School scores higher on the Success Index (US) (72.3 vs 57.4).
- •Merrill Middle School does better on math proficiency (68% vs 61%).
- •Merrill Middle School does better on reading proficiency (69% vs 51%).
- •Merrill Middle School does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (43.7% vs 78.3%).
- •Lenihan Intermediate School does better on students per teacher (12.6 vs 16.8).
- •Merrill Middle School is the larger school with 657 students compared with 655.
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 Lenihan Intermediate School better than Merrill Middle School?
On the Success Index (US), Merrill Middle School ranks higher (72.3 vs 57.4 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 Lenihan Intermediate School and Merrill Middle School?
About 81 km in a straight line, between Marshalltown and Des Moines in Iowa.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Lenihan Intermediate School: 655. Merrill Middle School: 657. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Lenihan Intermediate School and Merrill Middle School rank in Iowa?
Lenihan Intermediate School is 212th of 239 and Merrill Middle School is 155th of 239 among middle schools in Iowa on the 2025 Success Index (US).