Stephen Hempstead High School is a four-year public high school located in Dubuque, Iowa. It is one of two high schools in the Dubuque Community School District and enrolls around 1,800 students in grades 9–12.
Serving 1,499 students in grades 9-12, Hempstead High 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 67% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,499 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 23%
- Graduation Rate: 78% (Btm 50% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 67% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 72% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Hempstead High School's student population of 1,499 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 97 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,499 students
Total Classroom Teachers
97 teachers
Year Founded
1970
Colors
Green, Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
It’s a Great Day to be a Mustang!
School Rankings
Hempstead High 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 Hempstead High School is 0.40, which is less 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
#845 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
72%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
5%
14%
Black
8%
7%
White
77%
70%
Hawaiian
4%
1%
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
78%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
36%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Dubuque Comm School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Mustang
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hempstead High School's ranking?
Hempstead High School is ranked #845 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Hempstead High School often compared to?
Hempstead High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Dubuque Senior High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
67% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 65% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Hempstead High School?
The graduation rate of Hempstead High School is 78%, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend Hempstead High School?
1,499 students attend Hempstead High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of Hempstead High School students are White, 8% of students are Black, 5% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hempstead High School?
Hempstead High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Hempstead High School offer ?
Hempstead High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Hempstead High School part of?
Hempstead High School is part of Dubuque Comm School District.
School Reviews
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