Iowa is the #28 largest school system in the United States, serving 504,940 students across the 1,329 public schools for the 2024-25 school year (there are 262 private schools, serving 52,471 students). 91% of all K-12 students in Iowa attend public schools, compared to the national average of 89%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Iowa is 64%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 70%.
The top-ranked public schools in Iowa are Hopewell Elementary School, Hospers Elementary School, and Denver Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
Minority enrollment is 28%, with the majority being Hispanic and the student:teacher ratio is 14:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(IA) School Average
Asian
2%
Hispanic
13%
Black
7%
White
72%
Hawaiian
1%
Two or more races
5%
Top Ranked Public Schools in Iowa (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Hopewell Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 95% | Reading: 93%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 95% (Top 1%)
Reading: 93% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
3900 Hopewell Ave
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 332-0250
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 332-0250
Rank: #22.
Hospers Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
201 4th Ave S
Hospers, IA 51238
(712) 752-8480
Hospers, IA 51238
(712) 752-8480
Rank: #3 - 63. - 6.
Denver Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-8
800 Longview Drive
Denver, IA 50622
(319) 984-6041
Denver, IA 50622
(319) 984-6041
Rank: #3 - 63. - 6.
Denver Senior High School
Magnet School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
800 Longview Drive
Denver, IA 50622
(319) 984-5639
Denver, IA 50622
(319) 984-5639
Rank: #3 - 63. - 6.
North Ridge Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-4
400 Nw 27th St
Grimes, IA 50111
(515) 986-5674
Grimes, IA 50111
(515) 986-5674
Rank: #3 - 63. - 6.
Readlyn Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
200 E 4th St
Readlyn, IA 50668
(319) 279-3323
Readlyn, IA 50668
(319) 279-3323
Rank: #77.
Gilbert High School
Magnet School
(Math: 90% | Reading: 94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90% (Top 5%)
Reading: 94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
312 Gretten
Gilbert, IA 50105
(515) 232-3738
Gilbert, IA 50105
(515) 232-3738
Rank: #88.
Orange City Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 90% | Reading: 93%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90% (Top 5%)
Reading: 93% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
312 1st St Sw
Orange City, IA 51041
(712) 737-4606
Orange City, IA 51041
(712) 737-4606
Rank: #99.
Pleasant View Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 92% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 92% (Top 1%)
Reading: 91% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-6
6333 Crow Creek Road
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 332-5575
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 332-5575
Rank: #1010.
Van Meter Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 93%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 88% (Top 5%)
Reading: 93% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
520 1st Ave
Van Meter, IA 50261
(515) 996-2221
Van Meter, IA 50261
(515) 996-2221
Best Iowa Public Schools by County (2024-25)
Popular neighborhoods: Prairie Trail (4 schools), Cedar Hills (4 schools), Downtown Des Moines (4 schools), Penn (4 schools), Capitol Park (3 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Iowa?
The top-ranked public schools in Iowa include Hopewell Elementary School, Hospers Elementary School, and Denver Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Iowa?
1,329 public schools are located in Iowa.
What percentage of students in Iowa go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Iowa attend public schools (compared to the national average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Iowa?
Minority enrollment in Iowa is 28%, with the majority being Hispanic.
Which public schools in Iowa are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Iowa include: James Wilson Grimes School vs. Black Hawk Elementary School, Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School vs. Eagle Grove High School, Hempstead High School vs. Dubuque Senior High School
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