For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 1,527 students in Cherokee County, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Cherokee County, IA are Mmcru Marcus Elementary School, Alta-aurelia Middle School and Aurelia Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cherokee County, IA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 74% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 69% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Cherokee County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% 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 Cherokee County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
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 | 228 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #33.
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 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
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 | 468 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #55.
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 | 154 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #66.
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 | 329 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
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 elementary schools in Cherokee County, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Cherokee County, IA include Mmcru Marcus Elementary School, Alta-aurelia Middle School and Aurelia Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Cherokee County?
6 public elementary schools are located in Cherokee County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cherokee County?
Cherokee County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.