Cardinal Junior High

📖 Academic Overview & Key Context

Located in Eldon, Iowa, Cardinal Junior High is a regular public school serving students from grades 5–8. The school operates within the Cardinal Comm School District in Wapello County. With a current reported enrollment of 314 students, it provides a smaller, close-knit learning environment designed to support academic and personal growth.

In terms of academic staffing and instructional attention, Cardinal Junior High maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 17.8:1. This aligns closely with the United States national benchmark of approximately 16:1, balancing peer collaboration with focused teacher instruction. The campus educational team includes approximately 17.6 full-time equivalent (FTE) classroom teachers and certified instructional personnel.

Reflecting the multicultural fabric of Eldon, the student body at Cardinal Junior High represents diverse backgrounds. The most represented ethnic demographics include White (86.3%), Hispanic (7.6%), Two or more races (4.5%). This diverse mix contributes to a rich campus experience that prepares students for higher education and global careers.

Through federal and state educational initiatives, Cardinal Junior High participates in community support programs including the National School Lunch Program, with approximately 191 students (60.8%) eligible for free or reduced-price meals. This participation helps ensure equitable access to essential learning resources, nutritional support, and student welfare services.