For the 2025 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)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
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
Grades: 9-12
| 377 students
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
Grades: PK-4
| 176 students
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
Grades: 5-8
| 240 students
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
Grades: PK-4
| 116 students
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
Grades: PK-4
| 484 students
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
Grades: 9-12
| 208 students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 155 students
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
Grades: 5-8
| 356 students
Cherokee County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
300 Ash St
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
300 Ash St
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Grades: 9-12
| 69 students
300 Ash St
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
400 N Roosevelt
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6774
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6774
Grades: PK
| 59 students
Little Sioux Success Center (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
600 West Bluff St
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6755
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6755
Grades: 11-12
| 5 students
200 Campbell St., 200 Campbell
Cleghorn, IA 51014
(712) 436-2244
Cleghorn, IA 51014
(712) 436-2244
Grades: 4-6
| 91 students
500 E Fenton St, 500 E Fenton
Marcus, IA 51035
(712) 376-2615
Marcus, IA 51035
(712) 376-2615
Grades: PK-3
| 166 students
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
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.