For the 2025 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 3,886 students in Washington County, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 193 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Washington County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in Washington County, IA are Highland Middle School, Highland High School and Mid-prairie Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Washington County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 66% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 64% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Washington County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Washington County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Highland Middle School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1715 Vine Avenue
Riverside, IA 52327
(319) 648-2891
Riverside, IA 52327
(319) 648-2891
Gr: 6-8 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Highland High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1715 Vine Avenue
Riverside, IA 52327
(319) 648-2891
Riverside, IA 52327
(319) 648-2891
Gr: 9-12 | 169 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Mid-prairie Middle School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
713 F Ave
Kalona, IA 52247
(319) 656-2241
Kalona, IA 52247
(319) 656-2241
Gr: 5-8 | 410 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Mid-prairie High School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1634 Highway 22 E
Wellman, IA 52356
(319) 646-6091
Wellman, IA 52356
(319) 646-6091
Gr: 9-12 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #55.
Mid-prairie West Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
800 6th Ave
Wellman, IA 52356
(319) 646-2984
Wellman, IA 52356
(319) 646-2984
Gr: 3-4 | 328 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #66.
Mid-prairie East Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74% )
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
702 6th St
Kalona, IA 52247
(319) 656-2243
Kalona, IA 52247
(319) 656-2243
Gr: K-2 | 280 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #77.
Lincoln Upper Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
606 S 4th Ave
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-3691
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-3691
Gr: 3-5 | 344 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #88.
Mid-prairie Virtual Academy
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1636 Hwy 22
Wellman, IA 52356
(319) 646-6093
Wellman, IA 52356
(319) 646-6093
Gr: K-12 | 26 students Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #99.
Waco Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
200 S. Main Street
Crawfordsville, IA 52621
(319) 658-2931
Crawfordsville, IA 52621
(319) 658-2931
Gr: PK-6 | 288 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #1010.
Highland Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
220 Schnoebelen Street
Riverside, IA 52327
(319) 648-2821
Riverside, IA 52327
(319) 648-2821
Gr: PK-5 | 278 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #1111.
Washington High School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1111 S. Ave. B
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-2143
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-2143
Gr: 9-12 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #1212.
Washington Middle School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
313 S. 4th Ave.
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-5414
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-5414
Gr: 6-8 | 349 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: n/an/a
821 N 4th Ave
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-3244
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-3244
Gr: PK-2 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Washington County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
835 Park Street
Ainsworth, IA 52201
(319) 657-3151
Ainsworth, IA 52201
(319) 657-3151
Gr: K-5 | 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Alterntive Learning Cent (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
707 4th St.
Wellman, IA 52356
(319) 646-6096
Wellman, IA 52356
(319) 646-6096
Gr: 9-12 | 18 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Assure Center Alternative School (Closed 2005)
Alternative School
105 Westview Dr
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-7378
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-7378
Gr: 9-12 | 25 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
1715 Vine Avenue Box B
Riverside, IA 52327
(319) 648-2891
Riverside, IA 52327
(319) 648-2891
Gr: 9-12 | 197 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
1592 Angle Rd. Sw
Kalona, IA 52247
(319) 683-2770
Kalona, IA 52247
(319) 683-2770
Gr: PK-5 | 106 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Washington County, IA?
The top ranked public schools in Washington County, IA include Highland Middle School, Highland High School and Mid-prairie Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Washington County?
13 public schools are located in Washington County.
What percentage of students in Washington County go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Washington County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Washington County?
Washington County public schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Washington County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Washington County include: Mid-prairie High School vs. Highland High School, Highland High School vs. Mid-prairie High School, Mid-prairie High School vs. Washington High School
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.