Iowa is the #28 largest school system in the United States, serving 498,657 students across the 1,304 public schools for the 2023 school year (there are 244 private schools, serving 43,175 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 26% (majority Hispanic) and the student:teacher ratio is 14:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(IA) School Average
Asian
3%
Hispanic
12%
Black
7%
White
74%
Two or more races
4%

Top Ranked Public Schools in Iowa (2023)
School (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 (2023)
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?
1,304 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 26% (majority Hispanic)
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