For the 2026-27 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 1,249 students in Monona County, IA.
The top-ranked public schools in Monona County, IA are Mapleton Elementary School, West Monona Middle School and West Monona Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Monona County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 61% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 74% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Monona County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Monona County (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mapleton Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
501 South 7th
Mapleton, IA 51034
(712) 881-1319
Mapleton, IA 51034
(712) 881-1319
Gr: PK-5 | 182 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
West Monona Middle School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1314 15th St
Onawa, IA 51040
(712) 433-9098
Onawa, IA 51040
(712) 433-9098
Gr: 6-8 | 120 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
West Monona Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
611 4th Street
Onawa, IA 51040
(712) 433-1393
Onawa, IA 51040
(712) 433-1393
Gr: PK-5 | 352 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
West Monona High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1314 15th St
Onawa, IA 51040
(712) 433-2453
Onawa, IA 51040
(712) 433-2453
Gr: 9-12 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #55.
Whiting Senior High School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
606 West St
Whiting, IA 51063
(712) 455-2468
Whiting, IA 51063
(712) 455-2468
Gr: 7-12 | 61 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #66.
Whiting Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
606 West St
Whiting, IA 51063
(712) 455-2468
Whiting, IA 51063
(712) 455-2468
Gr: PK-6 | 78 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #77.
Maple Valley-anthon Oto High School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
501 South 7th Street
Mapleton, IA 51034
(712) 881-1317
Mapleton, IA 51034
(712) 881-1317
Gr: 9-12 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Monona County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
4th & Elm St
Castana, IA 51010
(712) 353-6331
Castana, IA 51010
(712) 353-6331
Gr: 1-5 | 171 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
1100 10th
Onawa, IA 51040
(712) 433-1056
Onawa, IA 51040
(712) 433-1056
Gr: 3-5 | 157 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
611 4th
Onawa, IA 51040
(712) 433-1393
Onawa, IA 51040
(712) 433-1393
Gr: PK-2 | 204 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Monona County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Monona County, IA include Mapleton Elementary School, West Monona Middle School and West Monona Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Monona County?
7 public schools are located in Monona County.
What is the racial composition of students in Monona County?
Monona County public schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
How Often Does Your Child's School Change Teachers Between Grade Levels?
Learn how teacher movement between grade levels affects continuity, experience, instruction, and school stability, plus the questions parents should ask about staffing patterns before choosing a public school today.
The School Pickup Test: What Arrival and Dismissal Reveal About a Public School
Discover what school arrival and dismissal reveal about safety, supervision, organization, communication, student behavior, transportation, and school climate before choosing the right public school for your child and family.
Should Siblings Attend the Same Public School?
Should siblings attend the same public school? Learn when academic needs, learning styles, programs, social fit, support services, and individual interests may make different schools better choices for children.
