Iowa is the #28 largest school system in the United States, serving 503,565 students across the 1,325 public schools for the 2024 school year (there are 247 private schools, serving 44,969 students). 92% of all K-12 students in Iowa are educated in public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Iowa is 64%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 70%.
The top ranked public schools in Iowa are Hopewell Elementary School, Hospers Elementary School and Denver Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
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%
![This chart displays the percentage breakdown of public school students of all ethnic groups in Iowa. This chart displays the percentage breakdown of public school students of all ethnic groups in Iowa.](http://images3.publicschoolreview.com/charts/state_ethnicity/997000/997365/iowa-chart-G8Fmkj.png)
Top Ranked Public Schools in Iowa (2024)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Hopewell Elementary School
(Math: 95% | Reading: 93%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 95% (Top 1%)
Reading: 93% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
3900 Hopewell Ave
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 332-0250
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 332-0250
Rank: #22.
Hospers Elementary School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (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: #3 - 63. - 6.
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: #3 - 63. - 6.
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: #3 - 63. - 6.
North Ridge 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-4
400 Nw 27th St
Grimes, IA 50111
(515) 986-5674
Grimes, IA 50111
(515) 986-5674
Rank: #3 - 63. - 6.
Readlyn 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: PK-6
200 E 4th St
Readlyn, IA 50668
(319) 279-3323
Readlyn, IA 50668
(319) 279-3323
Rank: #77.
Gilbert High School
(Math: 90% | Reading: 94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90% (Top 5%)
Reading: 94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
312 Gretten
Gilbert, IA 50105
(515) 232-3738
Gilbert, IA 50105
(515) 232-3738
Rank: #88.
Pleasant View Elementary School
(Math: 92% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 92% (Top 1%)
Reading: 91% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-6
6333 Crow Creek Road
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 332-5575
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 332-5575
Rank: #99.
Van Meter Elementary School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 93%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 88% (Top 5%)
Reading: 93% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
520 1st Ave
Van Meter, IA 50261
(515) 996-2221
Van Meter, IA 50261
(515) 996-2221
Rank: #1010.
Treynor High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
102 E Main St
Treynor, IA 51575
(712) 487-3804
Treynor, IA 51575
(712) 487-3804
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 Hopewell Elementary School, Hospers Elementary School and Denver Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Iowa?
1,325 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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