For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 3,636 students in Clayton County, IA (there are 1 private school, serving 101 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Clayton County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Clayton County, IA are Clayton Ridge Middle School, Mfl Marmac Elementary School and Central Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clayton County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 71% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Clayton County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Clayton County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Clayton Ridge Middle School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
131. S. River Park Drive
Guttenberg, IA 52052
(563) 252-1747
Guttenberg, IA 52052
(563) 252-1747
Gr: 6-8 | 140 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Mfl Marmac Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
700 S Page St.
Monona, IA 52159
(563) 539-2032
Monona, IA 52159
(563) 539-2032
Gr: PK-3 | 318 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
400 1st Street Nw
Elkader, IA 52043
(563) 245-1472
Elkader, IA 52043
(563) 245-1472
Gr: PK-6 | 292 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Clayton Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
502 W. Watson Street
Guttenberg, IA 52052
(563) 964-2321
Guttenberg, IA 52052
(563) 964-2321
Gr: PK-5 | 293 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #55.
Clayton Ridge High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
131 S River Park Dr
Guttenberg, IA 52052
(563) 252-2342
Guttenberg, IA 52052
(563) 252-2342
Gr: 9-12 | 176 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #66.
Mfl Marmac Middle School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
918 W. Main St.
Mc Gregor, IA 52157
(563) 873-2250
Mc Gregor, IA 52157
(563) 873-2250
Gr: 6-8 | 168 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #77.
Mcgregor Intermediate School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
920 W Main St.
Mc Gregor, IA 52157
(563) 873-2250
Mc Gregor, IA 52157
(563) 873-2250
Gr: 4-5 | 130 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #88.
Edgewood-colesburg Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
409 East St
Edgewood, IA 52042
(563) 856-2415
Edgewood, IA 52042
(563) 856-2415
Gr: PK-6 | 284 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #99.
Edgewood-colesburg High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
403 W Union
Edgewood, IA 52042
(563) 928-6412
Edgewood, IA 52042
(563) 928-6412
Gr: 7-12 | 206 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #1010.
Mfl Marmac High School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
700 S Page St
Monona, IA 52159
(563) 539-2031
Monona, IA 52159
(563) 539-2031
Gr: 9-12 | 263 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #1111.
Central Middle School/high School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
400 1st Street Nw
Elkader, IA 52043
(563) 245-1750
Elkader, IA 52043
(563) 245-1750
Gr: 7-12 | 182 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Clayton County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Clayton County, IA include Clayton Ridge Middle School, Mfl Marmac Elementary School and Central Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Clayton County?
12 public schools are located in Clayton County.
What percentage of students in Clayton County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Clayton County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Clayton County?
Clayton County public schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Clayton County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Clayton County include: Clayton Ridge High School vs. Central Middle School/high School, Central Middle School/high School vs. Clayton Ridge High School, Edgewood-colesburg Elementary School vs. Central Elementary School
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
