For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 1,881 students in Madison County, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Madison County, IA are Earlham Elementary School, Earlham Middle School and Winterset Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Madison County, IA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 75% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 69% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Madison County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 6% 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 Madison County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Earlham Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
535 N Chestnut Ave
Earlham, IA 50072
(515) 758-2213
Earlham, IA 50072
(515) 758-2213
Gr: PK-5 | 328 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Earlham Middle School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
535 N Chestnut Ave
Earlham, IA 50072
(515) 758-2214
Earlham, IA 50072
(515) 758-2214
Gr: 6-8 | 142 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Winterset Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
404 S 2nd Ave
Winterset, IA 50273
(515) 462-1551
Winterset, IA 50273
(515) 462-1551
Gr: PK-3 | 488 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #44.
Winterset Middle School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
706 West School Street
Winterset, IA 50273
(515) 462-3010
Winterset, IA 50273
(515) 462-3010
Gr: 4-6 | 351 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #55.
Interstate 35 Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
445 East North Street
Truro, IA 50257
(641) 765-4901
Truro, IA 50257
(641) 765-4901
Gr: PK-6 | 458 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Madison County, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Madison County, IA include Earlham Elementary School, Earlham Middle School and Winterset Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Madison County?
6 public elementary schools are located in Madison County.
What is the racial composition of students in Madison County?
Madison County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 6% 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 Madison County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Madison County include: Interstate 35 Elementary School vs. Winterset Elementary School, Winterset Elementary School vs. Interstate 35 Elementary School, Interstate 35 Elementary School vs. Earlham Elementary School
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.