For the 2026 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)
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
The First Six Weeks at a New Public School
The first six weeks reveal how children are adapting to a new public school. Learn which academic, social, emotional, attendance, and routine signals parents should monitor closely.
Will Your Child Receive Enough Individual Attention? Looking Beyond Student-Teacher Ratios
Student-teacher ratios reveal only part of a school’s story. Learn how families can evaluate class size, staffing, teacher access, tutoring, feedback, and personalized support for children today.
What Families Should Ask About AI Use in Public Schools
Families need clear answers about classroom AI. Learn what to ask public schools about teaching, academic integrity, privacy, teacher oversight, equity, and student learning before concerns arise.