For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,224 students in Clay County, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 309 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in Clay County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Clay County, IA are Spencer High School, Spencer Middle School and Lincoln Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay 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 74% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Clay County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Spencer High School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
800 E 3rd St
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-1700
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-1700
Gr: 9-12 | 688 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Spencer Middle School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1400 10th Avenue East
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3345
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3345
Gr: 6-8 | 514 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
615 4th Ave. Sw
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3752
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3752
Gr: 3-5 | 442 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
Fairview Park Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 45-49% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1508 5th Ave. East
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-4842
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-4842
Gr: 1-2 | 249 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #55.
Clay Central-everly Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
401 Church St
Royal, IA 51357
(712) 933-2241
Royal, IA 51357
(712) 933-2241
Gr: PK-6 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
724 West 9th Street
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-2710
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-2710
Gr: PK-K | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Clay County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Clay County, IA include Spencer High School, Spencer Middle School and Lincoln Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Clay County?
6 public schools are located in Clay County.
What percentage of students in Clay County go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in Clay County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Clay County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Clay County include: Clay Central-everly Elementary School vs. Lincoln Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School vs. Clay Central-everly Elementary School, Fairview Park Elementary School vs. Lincoln Elementary School
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