For the 2025-26 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 1,455 students in Buena Vista County, IA.
The top ranked public high schools in Buena Vista County, IA are Sioux Central High School, Alta-aurelia High School and Newell-fonda High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Buena Vista County, IA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 57% (versus the Iowa public high school average of 65%), and reading proficiency score of 60% (versus the 71% statewide average). High schools in Buena Vista County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public high schools.
Buena Vista County, IA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 65%, which is less than the Iowa average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Alta-aurelia High School, with ≥90% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Iowa or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public high school average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Buena Vista County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sioux Central High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
4440 U.s. Hwy 71
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Gr: 9-12 | 260 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #22.
Alta-aurelia High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1009 South Main Street
Alta, IA 51002
(712) 200-1331
Alta, IA 51002
(712) 200-1331
Gr: 9-12 | 199 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #33.
Newell-fonda High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
205 Clark St
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3325
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3325
Gr: 9-12 | 139 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #44.
Storm Lake High School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
621 Tornado Dr
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8065
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8065
Gr: 9-12 | 805 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: n/an/a
St. Lake/ia Cntrl/buena Vista Early College High School
Charter School
621 Tornado Dr
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8065
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8065
Gr: 12 | 52 students Minority enrollment: 92%
Buena Vista County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Box 98
Albert City, IA 50510
(712) 843-5416
Albert City, IA 50510
(712) 843-5416
Gr: 6-12 | 120 students Minority enrollment: 3%
1009 Main St
Alta, IA 51002
(712) 200-1401
Alta, IA 51002
(712) 200-1401
Gr: 5-8 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Buffalo Ridge Charter School (Closed 2009)
Charter School
4440 U.s. Hwy 71
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Gr: 1-6
205 Clark St Po Box 297
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Gr: PK-K | 6 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
205 Clark St, 205 Clark St
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Gr: 4-5 | 79 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
301 E 7th
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8072
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8072
Gr: 2-4 | 122 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
310 Cayuga
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8069
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8069
Gr: PK-4 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Storm Lake Alternative School (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
621 Tornado Dr
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 749-5180
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 749-5180
Gr: 9-12
1001 W 6th St
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8074
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8074
Gr: K-4 | 202 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Buena Vista County, IA?
The top ranked public high schools in Buena Vista County, IA include Sioux Central High School, Alta-aurelia High School and Newell-fonda High School.
How many public high schools are located in Buena Vista County?
5 public high schools are located in Buena Vista County.
What is the racial composition of students in Buena Vista County?
Buena Vista County public high schools minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public high schools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Buena Vista County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Buena Vista County include: Alta-aurelia High School vs. Sioux Central High School, Newell-fonda High School vs. Sioux Central High School, Sioux Central High School vs. Newell-fonda High School
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