For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,408 students in Fairfield, IA (there are 3 private schools, serving 266 private students). 84% of all K-12 students in Fairfield, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Fairfield, IA are Washington Elementary School, Fairfield Middle School and Pence Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Fairfield, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 72% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Fairfield have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Fairfield, IA (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Washington Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84% )
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
406 East Madison Avenue
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-2110
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-2110
Gr: PK-1 | 239 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Fairfield Middle School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
404 W Fillmore
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-5019
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-5019
Gr: 5-8 | 410 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #33.
Pence Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1000 South 6th Street
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-2957
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-2957
Gr: 2-4 | 317 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
Fairfield High School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
605 E Broadway
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-2059
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-2059
Gr: 9-12 | 442 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Fairfield, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Fairfield, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Fairfield, IA include Washington Elementary School, Fairfield Middle School and Pence Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Fairfield?
4 public schools are located in Fairfield.
What percentage of students in Fairfield go to public school?
84% of all K-12 students in Fairfield are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Fairfield?
Fairfield public schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Fairfield are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Fairfield include: Washington Elementary School vs. Pence Elementary School
Recent Articles
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.