For the 2025 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 4,701 students in Ames, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 238 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Ames, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in Ames, IA are Fellows Elementary School, Edwards Elementary School and Mitchell Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ames, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 71% (versus the Iowa public school average of 64%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Ames have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Ames, IA (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Fellows Elementary School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1235 20th St.
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3765
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3765
Grades: K-5
| 518 students
Rank: #22.
Edwards Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
820 Miller Ave
Ames, IA 50014
(515) 239-3760
Ames, IA 50014
(515) 239-3760
Grades: K-5
| 439 students
Rank: #33.
Mitchell Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3521 Jewel Dr
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3775
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3775
Grades: K-5
| 296 students
Rank: #44.
Ames High School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1801 Ridgewood Drive
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 817-0600
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 817-0600
Grades: 9-12
| 1,427 students
Rank: #55.
Sawyer Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4316 Ontario St
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3790
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3790
Grades: K-5
| 375 students
Rank: #66.
Ames Middle School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3915 Mortensen Road
Ames, IA 50014
(515) 268-2400
Ames, IA 50014
(515) 268-2400
Grades: 6-8
| 1,032 students
Rank: #77.
Meeker Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
300 20th Street
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3770
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3770
Grades: K-5
| 365 students
Rank: n/an/a
3012 Duff Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 268-2470
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 268-2470
Grades: PK-K
| 249 students
Ames, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
415 Stanton Ave
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3755
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3755
Grades: K
| 38 students
601 28th St
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3780
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3780
Grades: K-6
| 225 students
921 9th St
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3785
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3785
Grades: K-6
| 273 students
Xcel High School (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
1921 Ames High Dr
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 817-0635
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 817-0635
Grades: 9-12
| 16 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Ames, IA?
The top ranked public schools in Ames, IA include Fellows Elementary School, Edwards Elementary School and Mitchell Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Ames?
8 public schools are located in Ames.
What percentage of students in Ames go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Ames are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Ames?
Ames public schools minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Ames are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Ames include: Edwards Elementary School vs. Sawyer Elementary School, Sawyer Elementary School vs. Edwards Elementary School, Mitchell Elementary School vs. Meeker Elementary School
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