For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,553 students in Hancock County, IA (there are 1 private school, serving 36 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Hancock County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in Hancock County, IA are Garner-hayfield-ventura Elementary School, West Hancock Middle School and West Hancock High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hancock County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 80% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 84% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Hancock County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Hancock County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Garner-hayfield-ventura Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
620 W 11th St
Garner, IA 50438
(641) 923-2831
Garner, IA 50438
(641) 923-2831
Gr: PK-4 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
West Hancock Middle School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
423 E. 5th St.
Kanawha, IA 50447
(641) 762-3261
Kanawha, IA 50447
(641) 762-3261
Gr: 5-8 | 168 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #33.
West Hancock High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
420 9th Ave Sw
Britt, IA 50423
(641) 843-3863
Britt, IA 50423
(641) 843-3863
Gr: 9-12 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
West Hancock Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
510 9th Ave Sw
Britt, IA 50423
(641) 843-3833
Britt, IA 50423
(641) 843-3833
Gr: PK-4 | 290 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #55.
Garner-hayfield-ventura Middle School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
620 W. 11th St.
Garner, IA 50438
(641) 923-2831
Garner, IA 50438
(641) 923-2831
Gr: 5-8 | 257 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #66.
Garner-hayfield-ventura High School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
605 West Lyon Street
Garner, IA 50438
(641) 923-2632
Garner, IA 50438
(641) 923-2632
Gr: 9-12 | 294 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Hancock County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
408 Elm St, 408 Elm St
Corwith, IA 50430
(515) 583-2304
Corwith, IA 50430
(515) 583-2304
Gr: 7-12 | 58 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
1080 Division St
Garner, IA 50438
(641) 923-2809
Garner, IA 50438
(641) 923-2809
Gr: 7-8 | 145 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
300 S. Main St.
Garner, IA 50438
(641) 829-4482
Garner, IA 50438
(641) 829-4482
Gr: 5-6 | 154 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
423 E. 5th St. Po Box 130
Kanawha, IA 50447
(641) 762-3215
Kanawha, IA 50447
(641) 762-3215
Gr: PK-6 | 92 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
New Horizons Alternative High School (Closed 2008)
Alternative School
110 E 3rd St
Garner, IA 50438
(641) 923-2827
Garner, IA 50438
(641) 923-2827
Gr: 9-12 | 5 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
120 5th St East
Crystal Lake, IA 50432
(641) 565-3211
Crystal Lake, IA 50432
(641) 565-3211
Gr: PK-5 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
120 5th St
Crystal Lake, IA 50432
(641) 565-3211
Crystal Lake, IA 50432
(641) 565-3211
Gr: 9-12 | 83 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Hancock County, IA?
The top ranked public schools in Hancock County, IA include Garner-hayfield-ventura Elementary School, West Hancock Middle School and West Hancock High School.
How many public schools are located in Hancock County?
6 public schools are located in Hancock County.
What percentage of students in Hancock County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Hancock County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Hancock County?
Hancock County public schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Hancock County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Hancock County include: West Hancock Elementary School vs. Garner-hayfield-ventura Elementary School
Recent Articles

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.

Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.

Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.