If you're thinking about a move to Slater, chances are the schools are near the top of your list — and that's exactly the right instinct. I'm a Central Iowa REALTOR® and I work this market every day, so I've walked plenty of families through the Ballard school picture from every angle: buyers set on the elementary in Slater, folks relocating from out of state, and parents weighing Slater against Ames or the Des Moines suburbs. What follows is the straightforward, no-spin version to help you decide.
Slater is served by the Ballard Community School District (Ballard) — the same district that serves Huxley — which enrolls approximately 1,800 students. The district is known for strong academic averages, active parent engagement, and consistent investment in facilities and programs. A nice practical detail for Slater families: the district's Ballard West Elementary is located right in town. For specific test scores and accountability metrics, the Iowa Department of Education's School Performance Profiles tool is the best objective resource.
Ballard West Elementary (Slater) — Located right in Slater, this building serves the district's youngest grades. A small-town elementary with tight community ties and engaged families. The district's other elementary, Ballard East Elementary, is in nearby Huxley and serves the upper elementary grades.
Ballard Middle School (located in Huxley)
Ballard High School (located in Huxley) — Smaller district with strong academic averages. Tight athletic and music programs, active parent engagement. A short drive from Slater.
Here's something a lot of buyers miss: the elementary and grade configuration set the buildings your child feeds into down the line. Because Ballard splits its elementary grades between the Slater and Huxley buildings, always verify the current attendance zone and grade assignment for that exact address before you fall for a house — boundaries and grade splits can shift as the district grows, and I'd rather you know upfront than be surprised later.
Ballard vs Ames: Ames is larger with more program depth and Iowa State partnerships. Ballard offers smaller class sizes and a tighter community — and Slater's home prices generally run below Ames.
Ballard vs Gilbert: Both smaller Story County districts. Ballard (via Slater) tends to be more accessible price-wise; Gilbert is more upscale and Ames-adjacent.
I'm happy to help you weigh the Ballard school buildings and match them to the right neighborhood — no pressure, just a real conversation. Grab a free 15 minutes with me whenever it's useful:
Jackson Krile is a REALTOR® on the Flanders Team at RE/MAX Real Estate Center. Licensed in Iowa #S66867000. DMAAR + CIBR member.
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