Best Howard County Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 887 students in Howard County, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Howard County, IA are Riceville Elementary School, Crestwood Elementary 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 elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 70% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 69% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Howard County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Howard County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Riceville Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
912 Woodland Ave
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Gr: PK-5 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
Crestwood Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1000 4th Ave East
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2300
Gr: K-4 | 349 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #33.
Riceville High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
912 Woodland Ave
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Gr: 6-12 | 205 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
1000 4th Ave E
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2762
Gr: 5-8 | 283 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Howard County, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Howard County, IA include Riceville Elementary School, Crestwood Elementary School and Riceville High School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Howard County?
3 public elementary schools are located in Howard County.
What is the racial composition of students in Howard County?
Howard County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Howard County are often viewed compared to one another?

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