Best Hardin County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 3,040 students in Hardin County, IA (there are 1 private school, serving 4 private students). 100% of all K-12 students in Hardin County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Hardin County, IA are Rock Run Elementary School, Bcluw Middle School and Hubbard-radcliffe Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hardin County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 70% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 72% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Hardin County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Hardin County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Rock Run Elementary School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
710 North St
Iowa Falls, IA 50126
(641) 648-6420
Gr: 2-5 | 292 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #22.
Bcluw Middle School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
704 Commercial St
Union, IA 50258
(641) 486-5371
Gr: 5-8 | 132 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Hubbard-radcliffe Elementary School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
501 Isabella
Radcliffe, IA 50230
(515) 899-2111
Gr: PK-5 | 181 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #44.
Agwsr High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
713 Hardin St
Ackley, IA 50601
(641) 847-2633
Gr: 9-12 | 190 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #55.
Riverbend Middle School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1124 Union St.
Iowa Falls, IA 50126
(641) 648-6430
Gr: 6-8 | 257 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #66.
South Hardin Middle School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
200 E. Chestnut
Hubbard, IA 50122
(641) 864-2211
Gr: 6-8 | 196 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #77.
Agwsr Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1004 4th Ave
Ackley, IA 50601
(641) 847-2611
Gr: K-5 | 227 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #88.
South Hardin High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1800 24th St
Eldora, IA 50627
(641) 939-3421
Gr: 9-12 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #99.
Alden Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
209 Center Street
Alden, IA 50006
(515) 859-3393
Gr: PK-6 | 148 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #1010.
Eldora-new Providence Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1100 10th St
Eldora, IA 50627
(641) 939-9350
Gr: PK-5 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #1111.
Iowa Falls - Alden High School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1903 North Taylor
Iowa Falls, IA 50126
(641) 648-6440
Gr: 9-12 | 398 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: n/an/a
Choice Charter School
Charter School
607 Center Street
Union, IA 50258
(515) 850-2545
Gr: 7-12 | 257 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: n/an/a
The Cougars Den
413 State St
Ackley, IA 50601
(641) 847-2699
Gr: PK-K | 35 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
1510 Washington Ave
Iowa Falls, IA 50126
(641) 648-6410
Gr: PK-1 | 281 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 19%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Hardin County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Hardin County, IA include Rock Run Elementary School, Bcluw Middle School and Hubbard-radcliffe Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Hardin County?
14 public schools are located in Hardin County.
What percentage of students in Hardin County go to public school?
100% of all K-12 students in Hardin County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Hardin County?
Hardin County public schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Hardin County are often viewed compared to one another?

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