Iowa is the #28 largest school system in the United States, serving 501,674 students across the 1,320 public schools for the 2025 school year (there are 254 private schools, serving 52,168 students). 91% of all K-12 students in Iowa attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
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, Denver Middle School, and Denver Senior High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
Minority enrollment is 29%, with the majority being Hispanic and the student:teacher ratio is 14:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(IA) School Average
Asian
3%
Hispanic
13%
Black
7%
White
71%
Hawaiian
1%
Two or more races
5%
Top Ranked Public Schools in Iowa (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Hopewell Elementary 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: #2 - 52. - 5.
Denver Middle 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: #2 - 52. - 5.
Denver Senior High 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: #2 - 52. - 5.
North Ridge Elementary 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: #2 - 52. - 5.
Readlyn Elementary 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: #66.
Gilbert High 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: #77.
Moc-floyd Valley Elementary School
(Math: 90% | Reading: 93%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90% (Top 5%)
Reading: 93% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
1701 14th Street
Orange City, IA 51041
(712) 737-4606
Orange City, IA 51041
(712) 737-4606
Rank: #88.
Pleasant View Elementary 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: #99.
Van Meter Elementary 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
Rank: #1010.
Treynor High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
102 E Main St
Treynor, IA 51575
(712) 487-3804
Treynor, IA 51575
(712) 487-3804
Best Iowa Public Schools by County (2025)
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, Denver Middle School, and Denver Senior High School.
How many public schools are located in Iowa?
1,320 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 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Iowa?
Minority enrollment in Iowa is 29%, 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, North Butler Elementary School vs. North Butler Jr/sr High School
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