For the 2024-25 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,292 students in Winnebago County, IA (there are 1 private school, serving 25 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Winnebago County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in Winnebago County, IA are Lake Mills Elementary School, Forest City Middle School and Lake Mills Senior High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Winnebago County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 70% (versus the Iowa public school average of 64%), and reading proficiency score of 77% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Winnebago County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Winnebago County (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Lake Mills Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
102 S 4th Ave E
Lake Mills, IA 50450
(641) 592-1882
Lake Mills, IA 50450
(641) 592-1882
Grades: PK-5
| 316 students
Rank: #22.
Forest City Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
216 W School St
Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-4772
Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-4772
Grades: 5-8
| 330 students
Rank: #33.
Lake Mills Senior High School
Magnet School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
102 S 4th Ave E
Lake Mills, IA 50450
(641) 592-0893
Lake Mills, IA 50450
(641) 592-0893
Grades: 9-12
| 210 students
Rank: #44.
Forest City High School
Magnet School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
206 W School St
Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-2324
Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-2324
Grades: 9-12
| 324 students
Rank: #55.
North Iowa Elementary Buffalo Center
Magnet School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
111 3rd Ave Nw
Buffalo Center, IA 50424
(641) 562-2525
Buffalo Center, IA 50424
(641) 562-2525
Grades: PK-5
| 256 students
Rank: #66.
Forest City Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1405 W I St
Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-2670
Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-2670
Grades: PK-4
| 487 students
Rank: #77.
Lake Mills Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
102 S 4th Ave E
Lake Mills, IA 50450
(641) 592-0894
Lake Mills, IA 50450
(641) 592-0894
Grades: 6-8
| 145 students
Rank: #88.
North Iowa Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
111 3rd Ave Nw
Buffalo Center, IA 50424
(641) 562-2525
Buffalo Center, IA 50424
(641) 562-2525
Grades: 6-8
| 107 students
Rank: #99.
North Iowa High School
Magnet School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
111 3rd Ave Nw
Buffalo Center, IA 50424
(641) 562-2525
Buffalo Center, IA 50424
(641) 562-2525
Grades: 9-12
| 117 students
Winnebago County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Forest City Alternative School (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
145 South Clark St
Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-2324
Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-2324
Grades: 9-12
| 15 students
North Iowa Alternative High School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
116 Jackson St S
Thompson, IA 50478
(641) 584-2100
Thompson, IA 50478
(641) 584-2100
Grades: 9-12
| 3 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Winnebago County, IA?
The top ranked public schools in Winnebago County, IA include Lake Mills Elementary School, Forest City Middle School and Lake Mills Senior High School.
How many public schools are located in Winnebago County?
9 public schools are located in Winnebago County.
What percentage of students in Winnebago County go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Winnebago County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Winnebago County?
Winnebago County public schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Winnebago County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Winnebago County include: North Iowa Elementary Buffalo Center vs. Forest City Elementary School, North Iowa Elementary Buffalo Center vs. Lake Mills Elementary School
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