For the 2025-26 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 2,112 students in Cherokee County, IA.
The top ranked public schools in Cherokee County, IA are Washington High School, Mmcru Marcus Elementary School and Alta-aurelia Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cherokee County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 74% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Cherokee County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Cherokee County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Washington High School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 88%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
600 W Bluff St
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6755
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6755
Gr: 9-12 | 377 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
Mmcru Marcus Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
500 E Fenton St
Marcus, IA 51035
(712) 376-2615
Marcus, IA 51035
(712) 376-2615
Gr: PK-4 | 176 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
Alta-aurelia Middle School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
300 Ash St
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Gr: 5-8 | 240 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #44.
Aurelia Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
300 Ash St
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Gr: PK-4 | 116 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #55.
Cherokee Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
204 E. Indian Street
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6760
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6760
Gr: PK-4 | 484 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #66.
Mmcru High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
400 Highland Drive
Marcus, IA 51035
(712) 376-4172
Marcus, IA 51035
(712) 376-4172
Gr: 9-12 | 208 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #77.
River Valley Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
100 South 5th St
Washta, IA 51061
(712) 447-6318
Washta, IA 51061
(712) 447-6318
Gr: PK-5 | 155 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #88.
Cherokee Middle School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
206 E. Indian Street
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6750
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6750
Gr: 5-8 | 356 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Cherokee County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
300 Ash St
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Gr: 9-12 | 69 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
400 N Roosevelt
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6774
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6774
Gr: PK | 59 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
Little Sioux Success Center (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
600 West Bluff St
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6755
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6755
Gr: 11-12 | 5 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
200 Campbell St., 200 Campbell
Cleghorn, IA 51014
(712) 436-2244
Cleghorn, IA 51014
(712) 436-2244
Gr: 4-6 | 91 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
500 E Fenton St, 500 E Fenton
Marcus, IA 51035
(712) 376-2615
Marcus, IA 51035
(712) 376-2615
Gr: PK-3 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Cherokee County, IA?
The top ranked public schools in Cherokee County, IA include Washington High School, Mmcru Marcus Elementary School and Alta-aurelia Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Cherokee County?
8 public schools are located in Cherokee County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cherokee County?
Cherokee County public schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025
Latest data and policy changes on Texas public school enrollment growth, funding, and virtual education in 2025.
Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in Public Schools
Learn about financial aid and hidden costs in public schools. Discover what parents should budget for beyond tuition-free education.
NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025
Despite reforms, New York City schools remain the most segregated in the U.S. in 2025. Here’s what parents and educators need to know.