Top 5 Best Winnebago County Public Schools (2025)

For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,249 students in Winnebago County, IA (there are 1 private school, serving 25 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Winnebago County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in Winnebago County, IA are Lake Mills Elementary School, Forest City Middle School and Lake Mills Senior High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Winnebago County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 70% (versus the Iowa public school average of 64%), and reading proficiency score of 77% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Winnebago County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Winnebago County (2025)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Lake Mills Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
102 S 4th Ave E
Lake Mills, IA 50450
(641) 592-1882
Grades: PK-5
| 316 students
Rank: #22.
Forest City Middle School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
216 W School St
Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-4772
Grades: 5-8
| 319 students
Rank: #33.
Lake Mills Senior High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
102 S 4th Ave E
Lake Mills, IA 50450
(641) 592-0893
Grades: 9-12
| 213 students
Rank: #44.
Forest City High School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
206 W School St
Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-2324
Grades: 9-12
| 333 students
Rank: #55.
North Iowa Elementary Buffalo Center
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
111 3rd Ave Nw
Buffalo Center, IA 50424
(641) 562-2525
Grades: PK-5
| 231 students
Rank: #66.
Forest City Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1405 W I St
Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-2670
Grades: PK-4
| 462 students
Rank: #77.
Lake Mills Middle School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
102 S 4th Ave E
Lake Mills, IA 50450
(641) 592-0894
Grades: 6-8
| 141 students
Rank: #88.
North Iowa Middle School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
111 3rd Ave Nw
Buffalo Center, IA 50424
(641) 562-2525
Grades: 6-8
| 100 students
Rank: #99.
North Iowa High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
111 3rd Ave Nw
Buffalo Center, IA 50424
(641) 562-2525
Grades: 9-12
| 134 students
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Winnebago County, IA

Winnebago County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Grades
Students
145 South Clark St
Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-2324
Grades: 9-12
| 15 students
116 Jackson St S
Thompson, IA 50478
(641) 584-2100
Grades: 9-12
| 3 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public schools in Winnebago County, IA?
The top ranked public schools in Winnebago County, IA include Lake Mills Elementary School, Forest City Middle School and Lake Mills Senior High School.
How many public schools are located in Winnebago County?
9 public schools are located in Winnebago County.
What percentage of students in Winnebago County go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Winnebago County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Winnebago County?
Winnebago County public schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Winnebago County are often viewed compared to one another?

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