For the 2026-27 school year, there are 2 public schools serving 188 students in Essex, IA.
The top-ranked public schools in Essex, IA are Essex Junior-senior High School and Essex Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Essex, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 76% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 79% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Essex have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% 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 Essex, IA (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Essex Junior-senior High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
111 Forbes St
Essex, IA 51638
(712) 379-3115
Essex, IA 51638
(712) 379-3115
Gr: 6-12 | 87 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Essex Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
111 Forbes St
Essex, IA 51638
(712) 379-3114
Essex, IA 51638
(712) 379-3114
Gr: PK-5 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Essex, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Essex, IA include Essex Junior-senior High School and Essex Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Essex?
2 public schools are located in Essex.
What is the racial composition of students in Essex?
Essex 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).
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
