For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,224 students in Clay County, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 245 private students). 90% of all K-12 students in Clay County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
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 72% (versus the Iowa public school average of 64%), 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 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Clay County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Spencer High School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
800 E 3rd St
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-1700
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-1700
Grades: 9-12
| 718 students
Rank: #22.
Spencer Middle School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1400 10th Avenue East
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3345
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3345
Grades: 6-8
| 502 students
Rank: #33.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
615 4th Ave. Sw
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3752
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3752
Grades: 3-5
| 462 students
Rank: #44.
Clay Central-everly Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
401 Church St
Royal, IA 51357
(712) 933-2241
Royal, IA 51357
(712) 933-2241
Grades: PK-6
| 63 students
Rank: #55.
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
Grades: 1-2
| 262 students
Rank: n/an/a
724 West 9th Street
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-2710
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-2710
Grades: PK-K
| 217 students
Clay County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
306 E 2nd St Po Box 110
Everly, IA 51338
(712) 834-2227
Everly, IA 51338
(712) 834-2227
Grades: 3-5
| 72 students
306 E 2nd St
Everly, IA 51338
(712) 834-2227
Everly, IA 51338
(712) 834-2227
Grades: 7-12
| 110 students
401 Church St
Royal, IA 51357
(712) 933-2241
Royal, IA 51357
(712) 933-2241
Grades: 5-8
| 93 students
411 E 10th St Po Box 200
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-2882
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-2882
Grades: PK-K
| 36 students
300 Railway
Gillett Grove, IA 51341
(712) 835-2270
Gillett Grove, IA 51341
(712) 835-2270
Grades: PK-6
| n/a students
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?
90% of all K-12 students in Clay County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
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 29% (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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