For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 2,804 students in Mahaska County, IA (there are 1 private school, serving 201 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Mahaska County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Mahaska County, IA are North Mahaska Elementary School, North Mahaska Jr-sr High School and Oskaloosa Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mahaska 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 68% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Mahaska County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Mahaska County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
North Mahaska Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2163 135th Street
New Sharon, IA 50207
(641) 637-4041
New Sharon, IA 50207
(641) 637-4041
Gr: PK-6 | 301 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
North Mahaska Jr-sr High School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2163 135th St
New Sharon, IA 50207
(641) 637-4187
New Sharon, IA 50207
(641) 637-4187
Gr: 7-12 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
Oskaloosa Middle School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1704 N 3rd St
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
(641) 673-8308
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
(641) 673-8308
Gr: 6-8 | 404 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #44.
Oskaloosa High School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1816 N 3rd Extension
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
(641) 673-3407
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
(641) 673-3407
Gr: 9-12 | 632 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #55.
Fremont Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
525 East Main Street
Fremont, IA 52561
(641) 933-4211
Fremont, IA 52561
(641) 933-4211
Gr: PK-6 | 108 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #66.
Oskaloosa Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1801 Orchard Ave
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
(641) 673-8092
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
(641) 673-8092
Gr: K-5 | 903 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
1521 Green Street
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
(641) 676-7700
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
(641) 676-7700
Gr: PK | 109 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Mahaska County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
715 B Ave East
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
(641) 673-3022
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
(641) 673-3022
Gr: K-5 | 257 students Minority enrollment: 4%
601 S B St
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
(641) 673-4266
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
(641) 673-4266
Gr: K-5 | 211 students Minority enrollment: 4%
911 B Ave West
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
(641) 673-7462
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
(641) 673-7462
Gr: K-5 | 138 students Minority enrollment: 9%
508 S 7th St
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
(641) 673-7559
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
(641) 673-7559
Gr: K-5 | 281 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Mahaska County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Mahaska County, IA include North Mahaska Elementary School, North Mahaska Jr-sr High School and Oskaloosa Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Mahaska County?
8 public schools are located in Mahaska County.
What percentage of students in Mahaska County go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Mahaska County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Mahaska County?
Mahaska County public schools minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Mahaska County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Mahaska County include: North Mahaska Jr-sr High School vs. Oskaloosa High School, Oskaloosa High School vs. North Mahaska Jr-sr High School
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.