For the 2026-27 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 873 students in Lucas County, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Lucas County, IA are Chariton Middle School and Van Allen Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lucas County, IA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 67% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Lucas County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% 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 Lucas County (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Chariton Middle School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1300 N 16th
Chariton, IA 50049
(641) 774-5114
Chariton, IA 50049
(641) 774-5114
Gr: 6-8 | 284 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #22.
Van Allen Elementary School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1129 Ashland
Chariton, IA 50049
(641) 774-5047
Chariton, IA 50049
(641) 774-5047
Gr: 3-5 | 292 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: n/an/a
1215 Linden Ave
Chariton, IA 50049
(641) 774-4712
Chariton, IA 50049
(641) 774-4712
Gr: K-2 | 301 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Lucas County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
The Other Hand High School (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
140 E Albia Road
Chariton, IA 50049
(641) 774-4723
Chariton, IA 50049
(641) 774-4723
Gr: 9-12 | 24 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
410 E Smith
Russell, IA 50238
(641) 535-6105
Russell, IA 50238
(641) 535-6105
Gr: PK-5 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
410 E Smith
Russell, IA 50238
(641) 535-6105
Russell, IA 50238
(641) 535-6105
Gr: 6-12 | 94 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Lucas County, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Lucas County, IA include Chariton Middle School and Van Allen Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Lucas County?
3 public elementary schools are located in Lucas County.
What is the racial composition of students in Lucas County?
Lucas County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.