Thomas Jefferson High School is a public high school located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States. It is one of two high schools in the Council Bluffs Community School District. The school was opened in 1922 to serve students on the west end of Council Bluffs.
Serving 1,146 students in grades 9-12, Thomas Jefferson 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 48% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 49% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,146 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 31%
- Graduation Rate: 76% (Btm 50% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 48% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Thomas Jefferson High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Thomas Jefferson High School's student population of 1,146 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 66 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,146 students
Total Classroom Teachers
66 teachers
Year Founded
1922
School Rankings
Thomas Jefferson 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 Thomas Jefferson High School is 0.49, which is more 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
#1144 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
19%
14%
Black
5%
7%
White
69%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
76%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
50%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Council Bluffs Comm School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Yellowjacket
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thomas Jefferson High School's ranking?
Thomas Jefferson High School is ranked #1144 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Thomas Jefferson High School often compared to?
Thomas Jefferson High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Abraham Lincoln High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
48% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Thomas Jefferson High School?
The graduation rate of Thomas Jefferson High School is 76%, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend Thomas Jefferson High School?
1,146 students attend Thomas Jefferson High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Thomas Jefferson High School students are White, 19% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Thomas Jefferson High School?
Thomas Jefferson High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Thomas Jefferson High School offer ?
Thomas Jefferson High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Thomas Jefferson High School part of?
Thomas Jefferson High School is part of Council Bluffs Comm School District.
School Reviews
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