Iowa is the #28 largest school system in the United States, serving 504,006 students across the 1,326 public schools for the 2024 school year (there are 247 private schools, serving 44,932 students). 92% of all K-12 students in Iowa are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Iowa is 64%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 68%.
The top ranked public schools in Iowa are Denver Middle School, Denver Senior High School and Hospers Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Minority enrollment is 27% (majority Hispanic) and the student:teacher ratio is 14:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(IA) School Average
Asian
3%
Hispanic
12%
Black
7%
White
73%
Two or more races
5%
Top Ranked Public Schools in Iowa (2024)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #1 - 31. - 3.
Denver Middle School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-8
540 Lincoln
Denver, IA 50622
(319) 984-6041
Denver, IA 50622
(319) 984-6041
Rank: #1 - 31. - 3.
Denver Senior High School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
541 E Eagle
Denver, IA 50622
(319) 984-5639
Denver, IA 50622
(319) 984-5639
Rank: #1 - 31. - 3.
Hospers Elementary School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
201 4th Ave S
Hospers, IA 51238
(712) 752-8480
Hospers, IA 51238
(712) 752-8480
Rank: #44.
Hopewell Elementary School
(Math: 95% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 95% (Top 1%)
Reading: 91% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
3900 Hopewell Ave
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 332-0250
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 332-0250
Rank: #55.
Pleasant View Elementary School
(Math: 96% | Reading: 89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 96% (Top 1%)
Reading: 89% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-6
6333 Crow Creek Road
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 332-5575
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 332-5575
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Mitchellville Elementary School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 85-89% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
308 Elm Ave Nw
Mitchellville, IA 50169
(515) 967-4274
Mitchellville, IA 50169
(515) 967-4274
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
New Albin Elementary School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 85-89% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-6
401 Locust Se
New Albin, IA 52160
(563) 544-4246
New Albin, IA 52160
(563) 544-4246
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Treynor Middle School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 5%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-8
102 E Main St
Treynor, IA 51575
(712) 487-3181
Treynor, IA 51575
(712) 487-3181
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Van Meter High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 5%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
520 1st Ave
Van Meter, IA 50261
(515) 996-2221
Van Meter, IA 50261
(515) 996-2221
Rank: #1010.
Orange City Elementary School
(Math: 90% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90% (Top 5%)
Reading: 91% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
312 1st St Sw
Orange City, IA 51041
(712) 737-4606
Orange City, IA 51041
(712) 737-4606
Best Iowa Public Schools by County (2024)
Popular neighborhoods: Prairie Trail (4 schools), Cedar Hills (4 schools), Downtown Des Moines (4 schools), Penn (4 schools), Capitol Park (3 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Iowa?
The top ranked public schools in Iowa include Denver Middle School, Denver Senior High School and Hospers Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Iowa?
1,326 public schools are located in Iowa.
What percentage of students in Iowa go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Iowa are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Iowa?
Minority enrollment in Iowa is 27% (majority Hispanic)
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