| Metric | Dubuque Community School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 10,518 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 18 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $12,886/yr | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubuque Community School District (this district) | 3/10 | 25th | 10,518 |
| PCM Community School District | 6/10 | 60th | 1,130 |
| Southeast Polk Community School District | 7/10 | 64th | 7,397 |
| Montezuma Community School District | 8/10 | 73rd | 493 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 320 rated districts in IA → 25th percentile → 3/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Dubuque Community School District
Families in zip code 52002 (Dubuque, Iowa) are assigned to Dubuque Community School District for public education through 12. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Funding and Resources
Dubuque Community School District spent $12,886 per student in the 2019–20 school year (U.S. Dept. of Education CCD finance data), 17% above Iowa’s statewide $11,000 estimate. Of the district’s 2019 graduating cohort of 802 students, an estimated 86% earned a diploma within four years (EDFacts adjusted cohort graduation rate).
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 18 schools, Dubuque Community School District operates as a large district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 10,518 students in total. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
Dubuque Community School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 3/10, placing it in the below average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Iowa is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Dubuque Community School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Iowa benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 52002
Children in zip code 52002 are assigned to Dubuque Community School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 52002, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Dubuque Community School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Iowa districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Dubuque
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Dubuque Community School District serves zip code 52002, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 52002. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Iowa, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Dubuque Community School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 52002.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Dubuque Community School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 52002 data.