For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public elementary schools serving 2,344 students in Benton County, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Benton County, IA are Vinton-shellsburg Middle School, Norway Elementary School and Shellsburg Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Benton County, IA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 80% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 78% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Benton County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Benton County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Vinton-shellsburg Middle School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
212 W. 15th St.
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Gr: 6-8 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Norway Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
100 School Drive
Norway, IA 52318
(319) 227-7142
Norway, IA 52318
(319) 227-7142
Gr: 4-6 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
Shellsburg Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
203 Tomahawk Trail
Shellsburg, IA 52332
(319) 436-4728
Shellsburg, IA 52332
(319) 436-4728
Gr: PK-5 | 269 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #4 - 64. - 6.
Atkins Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
217 4th Ave
Atkins, IA 52206
(319) 446-7525
Atkins, IA 52206
(319) 446-7525
Gr: PK-3 | 394 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #4 - 64. - 6.
Longfellow Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
707 7th St
Belle Plaine, IA 52208
(319) 444-3002
Belle Plaine, IA 52208
(319) 444-3002
Gr: PK-6 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #4 - 64. - 6.
Tilford Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
308 E 13th St
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Gr: PK-4 | 544 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #77.
Keystone Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
280 4th St
Keystone, IA 52249
(319) 442-3221
Keystone, IA 52249
(319) 442-3221
Gr: PK-3 | 176 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Benton County, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Benton County, IA include Vinton-shellsburg Middle School, Norway Elementary School and Shellsburg Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Benton County?
7 public elementary schools are located in Benton County.
What is the racial composition of students in Benton County?
Benton County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Benton County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Benton County include: Norway Elementary School vs. Longfellow Elementary School, Longfellow Elementary School vs. Norway Elementary School, Longfellow Elementary School vs. Shellsburg Elementary School
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.
