Best Monona County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 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)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mapleton Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
501 South 7th
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:
6/
10
Top 50%
1314 15th St
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:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
611 4th Street
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:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1314 15th St
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:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
606 West St
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:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
606 West St
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:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
501 South 7th Street
Mapleton, IA 51034
(712) 881-1317
Gr: 9-12 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%

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

Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.

Quick Links