For the 2024-25 school year, there are 9 blue ribbon public middle schools serving 3,854 students in Iowa.
Blue ribbon schools have been recognized by the Department of Education for achieving superior standards of academic excellence. Read more about this national school awards program and how blue ribbon schools work.
The top ranked blue ribbon public middle schools in Iowa are Grundy Center Middle School, Peet Junior High School and Summit Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Iowa blue ribbon public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 76% (versus the Iowa public middle school average of 64%), and reading proficiency score of 81% (versus the 71% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Iowa public middle school average of 25% (majority Hispanic).
Best Blue Ribbon Public Middle Schools in Iowa (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Grundy Center Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1006 M Ave
Grundy Center, IA 50638
(319) 825-5464
Grundy Center, IA 50638
(319) 825-5464
Grades: 5-8
| 212 students
Rank: #22.
Peet Junior High School
Magnet School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
525 E Seerley Blvd
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 553-2710
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 553-2710
Grades: 7-9
| 670 students
Rank: #33.
Summit Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
9500 Windsor Parkway
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 986-0318
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 986-0318
Grades: 6-7
| 1,112 students
Rank: #44.
Vinton-shellsburg Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
212 W. 15th St.
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Grades: 6-8
| 318 students
Rank: #55.
Maquoketa Valley Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
112 Third Street
Delhi, IA 52223
(563) 922-9411
Delhi, IA 52223
(563) 922-9411
Grades: 6-8
| 159 students
Rank: #66.
Westside Junior-senior High School
Magnet School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
108 Clinton St
Westside, IA 51467
(712) 663-4312
Westside, IA 51467
(712) 663-4312
Grades: 6-12
| 106 students
Rank: #77.
Spencer Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1400 10th Avenue East
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3345
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3345
Grades: 6-8
| 514 students
Rank: #88.
Stilwell Junior High School
Magnet School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1601 Vine St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6000
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6000
Grades: 7-8
| 684 students
Rank: #99.
Whiting Senior High School
Magnet School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
606 West St
Whiting, IA 51063
(712) 455-2468
Whiting, IA 51063
(712) 455-2468
Grades: 7-12
| 79 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked blue ribbon public middle schools in Iowa?
The top ranked blue ribbon public middle schools in Iowa include Grundy Center Middle School, Peet Junior High School and Summit Middle School.
How many blue ribbon public middle schools are located in Iowa?
9 blue ribbon public middle schools are located in Iowa.
What is the racial composition of students in Iowa?
Iowa blue ribbon public middle schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Iowa public middle schools average of 25% (majority Hispanic).
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