For the 2025 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 4,701 students in Ames, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 238 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Ames, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in Ames, IA are Fellows Elementary School, Mitchell Elementary School and Edwards Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ames, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 72% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Ames have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Ames, IA (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Fellows Elementary School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1235 20th St.
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3765
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3765
Gr: K-5 | 518 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #22.
Mitchell Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3521 Jewel Dr
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3775
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3775
Gr: K-5 | 296 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #33.
Edwards Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
820 Miller Ave
Ames, IA 50014
(515) 239-3760
Ames, IA 50014
(515) 239-3760
Gr: K-5 | 439 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #44.
Ames High School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1801 Ridgewood Drive
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 817-0600
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 817-0600
Gr: 9-12 | 1,427 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #55.
Meeker Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
300 20th Street
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3770
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3770
Gr: K-5 | 365 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #66.
Ames Middle School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3915 Mortensen Road
Ames, IA 50014
(515) 268-2400
Ames, IA 50014
(515) 268-2400
Gr: 6-8 | 1,032 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #77.
Sawyer Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4316 Ontario St
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3790
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3790
Gr: K-5 | 375 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: n/an/a
3012 Duff Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 268-2470
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 268-2470
Gr: PK-K | 249 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Ames, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
415 Stanton Ave
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3755
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3755
Gr: K | 38 students Minority enrollment: 26%
601 28th St
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3780
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3780
Gr: K-6 | 225 students Minority enrollment: 32%
921 9th St
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3785
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3785
Gr: K-6 | 273 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Xcel High School (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
1921 Ames High Dr
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 817-0635
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 817-0635
Gr: 9-12 | 16 students Minority enrollment: 19%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Ames, IA?
The top ranked public schools in Ames, IA include Fellows Elementary School, Mitchell Elementary School and Edwards Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Ames?
8 public schools are located in Ames.
What percentage of students in Ames go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Ames are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Ames?
Ames public schools minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Ames are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Ames include: Edwards Elementary School vs. Sawyer Elementary School, Sawyer Elementary School vs. Edwards Elementary School, Fellows Elementary School vs. Edwards Elementary School
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