For the 2025 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,396 students in Howard County, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 239 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in Howard County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in Howard County, IA are Crestwood Elementary School, Crestwood High School and Riceville High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Howard County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the Iowa public school average of 64%), and reading proficiency score of 72% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Howard County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Howard County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Crestwood Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1000 4th Ave East
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2001
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2001
Grades: K-6
| 456 students
Rank: #22.
Crestwood High School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1000 Schroder Dr
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2764
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2764
Grades: 7-12
| 509 students
Rank: #33.
Riceville High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
912 Woodland Ave
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Grades: 6-12
| 205 students
Rank: #44.
Riceville Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
912 Woodland Ave
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Grades: PK-5
| 226 students
Howard County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1135 Canterbury St.
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-5424
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-5424
Grades: PK
| 68 students
1000 4th Ave East
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2300
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2300
Grades: 6-8
| 204 students
Crestwood Alternative School (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
205 3rd Ave West
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2310
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2310
Grades: 9-12
| 15 students
319 Oak St, 319 Oak St
Elma, IA 50628
(641) 393-2280
Elma, IA 50628
(641) 393-2280
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
120 W. Jackson, 120 W. Jackson
Lime Springs, IA 52155
(563) 566-2221
Lime Springs, IA 52155
(563) 566-2221
Grades: PK
| 9 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Howard County, IA?
The top ranked public schools in Howard County, IA include Crestwood Elementary School, Crestwood High School and Riceville High School.
How many public schools are located in Howard County?
4 public schools are located in Howard County.
What percentage of students in Howard County go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in Howard County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Howard County?
Howard County public schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
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