For the 2026-27 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,034 students in Dickinson County, IA.
The top-ranked public schools in Dickinson County, IA are Spirit Lake Elementary School, Okoboji Middle School and Okoboji Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dickinson County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 77% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 79% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Dickinson County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Dickinson County (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Spirit Lake Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
709 28th Street
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
(712) 336-2822
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
(712) 336-2822
Gr: PK-4 | 547 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Okoboji Middle School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1800 6th Street
Milford, IA 51351
(712) 338-4757
Milford, IA 51351
(712) 338-4757
Gr: 5-8 | 339 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Okoboji Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
705 N Ave
Milford, IA 51351
(712) 338-2458
Milford, IA 51351
(712) 338-2458
Gr: PK-4 | 491 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Spirit Lake Middle School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
609 28th St
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
(712) 336-1370
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
(712) 336-1370
Gr: 5-8 | 379 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #55.
Graettinger-terril Elementary School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
101 S. Schooley St.
Terril, IA 51364
(712) 853-6111
Terril, IA 51364
(712) 853-6111
Gr: PK-5 | 149 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #66.
Harris-lake Park High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
905 South Market
Lake Park, IA 51347
(712) 832-3809
Lake Park, IA 51347
(712) 832-3809
Gr: 6-12 | 174 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #77.
Okoboji High School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
901 H. Ave.
Milford, IA 51351
(712) 338-2446
Milford, IA 51351
(712) 338-2446
Gr: 9-12 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #88.
Spirit Lake High School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2701 Hill Ave
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
(712) 336-3707
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
(712) 336-3707
Gr: 9-12 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #99.
Harris-lake Park Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
105 Ave A West
Lake Park, IA 51347
(712) 832-3437
Lake Park, IA 51347
(712) 832-3437
Gr: PK-5 | 167 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Dickinson County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
101 So. Schooley St
Terril, IA 51364
(712) 853-6112
Terril, IA 51364
(712) 853-6112
Gr: 3-8
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Dickinson County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Dickinson County, IA include Spirit Lake Elementary School, Okoboji Middle School and Okoboji Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Dickinson County?
9 public schools are located in Dickinson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dickinson County?
Dickinson County public schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Dickinson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Dickinson County include: Okoboji Elementary School vs. Spirit Lake Elementary School, Spirit Lake Elementary School vs. Okoboji Elementary School
Recent Articles
School Leadership Matters: Evaluating a Principal
Learn how to evaluate a public school principal before enrolling by examining leadership stability, teacher support, communication, school culture, instructional priorities, discipline, family engagement, and measurable improvement efforts.
Comparing Before- and After-School Programs
Learn how to compare before- and after-school programs when choosing a public school, including hours, costs, staffing, safety, activities, enrollment rules, transportation, meals, and daily convenience for families.
Choosing a Public School During Budget Uncertainty
Learn which questions parents should ask when choosing a public school during budget uncertainty, including staffing, programs, class sizes, transportation, reserves, enrollment trends, and planned reductions ahead.