For the 2025 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 Alta-aurelia High School, Sioux Central 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 50% (versus the Iowa public high school average of 60%), 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 67%, which is less than the Iowa average of 88%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Sioux Central 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)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Alta-aurelia High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1009 South Main Street
Alta, IA 51002
(712) 200-1331
Alta, IA 51002
(712) 200-1331
Grades: 9-12
| 199 students
Rank: #22.
Sioux Central High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4440 U.s. Hwy 71
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Grades: 9-12
| 260 students
Rank: #33.
Newell-fonda High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
205 Clark St
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3325
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3325
Grades: 9-12
| 139 students
Rank: #44.
Storm Lake High School
(Math: 42% | 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
Grades: 9-12
| 805 students
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
Grades: 12
| 52 students
Buena Vista County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Box 98
Albert City, IA 50510
(712) 843-5416
Albert City, IA 50510
(712) 843-5416
Grades: 6-12
| 120 students
1009 Main St
Alta, IA 51002
(712) 200-1401
Alta, IA 51002
(712) 200-1401
Grades: 5-8
| 136 students
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
Grades: 1-6
| n/a students
205 Clark St Po Box 297
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Grades: PK-K
| 6 students
205 Clark St, 205 Clark St
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Grades: 4-5
| 79 students
301 E 7th
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8072
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8072
Grades: 2-4
| 122 students
310 Cayuga
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8069
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8069
Grades: PK-4
| 254 students
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
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
1001 W 6th St
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8074
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8074
Grades: K-4
| 202 students
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 Alta-aurelia High School, Sioux Central 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
Recent Articles
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.