For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,823 students in Union County, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 230 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in Union County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Union County, IA are East Union Elementary School, Creston High School and East Union Middle-high School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Union 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 73% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Union County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Union County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
East Union Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1916 High School Dr.
Afton, IA 50830
(641) 347-5411
Afton, IA 50830
(641) 347-5411
Gr: PK-5 | 210 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Creston High School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
601 W Townline
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-2116
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-2116
Gr: 9-12 | 509 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
East Union Middle-high School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1916 High School Dr
Afton, IA 50830
(641) 347-8421
Afton, IA 50830
(641) 347-8421
Gr: 6-12 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #44.
Creston Middle School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
805 Academic Ave.
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-2129
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-2129
Gr: 6-8 | 283 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #55.
Creston Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
805 Academic Ave
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-1155
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-1155
Gr: 1-5 | 420 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: n/an/a
901 N Elm St
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-2724
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-2724
Gr: PK-K | 159 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Union County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
High Lakes Cntry Academy High School (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
801 North Elm
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-4375
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-4375
Gr: 9-12 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
901 N Elm St
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-4455
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-4455
Gr: 4-5 | 186 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
501 N Cherry St
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-2024
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-2024
Gr: 3 | 108 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
1001 W Jefferson St
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-4223
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-4223
Gr: 1-2 | 160 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Union County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Union County, IA include East Union Elementary School, Creston High School and East Union Middle-high School.
How many public schools are located in Union County?
6 public schools are located in Union County.
What percentage of students in Union County go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Union County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Union County?
Union County public schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
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