Iowa is known for high-quality education with strong state standards, caring teachers, and communities that prioritize student growth. Families searching for the Best Elementary Schools in Iowa will find excellent options that offer rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, and supportive environments. Across the state, the Best Elementary Schools in Iowa consistently stand out for high performance in reading, math, enrichment, and community involvement. Below are ten schools often recognized among the Best Elementary Schools in Iowa, each with a brief overview and a link to explore more.
1. Mallard Elementary School
Mallard Elementary School in West Bend, Iowa, serves students from Pre-K to 4th grade and is known for its small, supportive learning environment. With an enrollment of around 170 students and an impressive 15:1 student–teacher ratio, the school ensures personalized attention and stronger academic engagement.
Mallard Elementary emphasizes foundational skills, early literacy, and social–emotional learning, helping young learners build confidence and curiosity. Its community-focused approach creates a nurturing environment where every child feels valued.
👉 Mallard Elementary School
2. Spirit Lake Elementary School
Spirit Lake Elementary School, located in Omaha, Iowa, is recognized among the top 5% of elementary schools in the state. Serving PreK–4 students, the school prides itself on strong academic performance, innovative instruction, and a welcoming environment that supports all learners.
With 548 students and a 16:1 student–teacher ratio, the school balances high-quality education with individualized learning. Its focus on literacy, STEM, and character development helps students grow academically and personally.
👉 Spirit Lake Elementary School
3. Stanton Elementary School
Stanton Elementary School is a small yet high-performing K–5 public school in Stanton, Iowa. Known for ranking in the top 5% statewide, the school features exceptional academic results with 90% proficiency in math and reading. With around 234 students
and a 22:1 student–teacher ratio, Stanton Elementary emphasizes strong academic foundations, community involvement, and character-building programs. Its supportive and engaging atmosphere allows students to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
👉 Stanton Elementary School
4. Paul Norton Elementary School
Paul Norton Elementary School in Bettendorf, Iowa, is a top-rated K–5 public school celebrated for academic excellence and strong community involvement. With around 430 students and a 16:1 student–teacher ratio, the school provides a balanced environment that supports both learning and social development.
Students consistently perform well in core subjects, benefiting from dedicated teachers and well-rounded programs. The school’s focus on leadership, creativity, and collaboration helps prepare children for future success.
👉 Paul Norton Elementary School
5. Hopewell Elementary School
Hopewell Elementary in Bettendorf, Iowa, stands out as one of the state’s best public elementary schools, with exceptional academic results—95% math and 93% reading proficiency. Serving about 687 students from PreK–6, the school maintains a student–teacher ratio of 16:1, ensuring meaningful learning experiences.
Its commitment to modern teaching strategies, STEM integration, and positive school culture makes it a strong choice for families seeking academic excellence and holistic development for their children.
👉 Hopewell Elementary School
Historical Fact About Elementary Schools in Lowa
Iowa has a long history of prioritizing public education, dating back to the mid-1800s when the state established one of the earliest free public school systems in the U.S. By the late 19th century, Iowa became known for its strong rural schoolhouses that served small farming communities. These one-room schools laid the foundation for today’s modern elementary education system, emphasizing equal access and community involvement.
6. Orange City Elementary School
Orange City Elementary School, part of the MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District, serves K–5 students in Orange City, Iowa. With an enrollment of 457 students and a 14:1 student–teacher ratio, the school provides a warm and supportive environment.
It focuses on academic achievement, community values, and individualized learning. Teachers emphasize literacy, math, and social–emotional skills to help students develop well-rounded abilities. The school also encourages parental involvement, making education a shared community effort.
👉 Orange City Elementary School
7. Wickham Elementary School
Wickham Elementary School in Coralville, Iowa, serves students from PK–6 and is part of the Iowa City Community School District. With strong academic performance—90% proficiency in math and 91% in reading—it ranks in the top 15% statewide.
The school enrolls around 360 students with a 17:1 student–teacher ratio, ensuring personalized support. Wickham focuses on student-centered learning, creativity, and collaborative classroom environments, helping children excel academically and socially.
👉 Wickham Elementary School
8. Hospers Elementary School
Hospers Elementary School in Hospers, Iowa, is among the highest-performing public schools in the state. With outstanding proficiency levels—95% in math and 92% in reading—the school sets a strong academic standard. It serves approximately 360 students with a 15:1 student–teacher ratio, enabling teachers to provide attentive instruction.
Hospers Elementary promotes positive behavior, community engagement, and academic excellence, helping students build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
👉 Hospers Elementary School
9. Readlyn Elementary School
Readlyn Elementary School, located in Readlyn, Iowa, serves students from Pre-K to 6th grade and is ranked in the top 1% of elementary schools statewide. With about 118 students and a low 12:1 student–teacher ratio, the school offers highly personalized instruction.
Its academic proficiency stands out, supported by excellent teachers and a nurturing environment. Readlyn Elementary fosters curiosity, responsibility, and academic confidence through engaging learning activities and community involvement.
👉 Readlyn Elementary School
10. Shell Rock Elementary School
Shell Rock Elementary School in Iowa serves grades PK–4 and is known for its excellent academic performance and nurturing environment. With approximately 170 students and an impressive 10:1 student–teacher ratio, the school ensures individualized attention.
It reports 95% proficiency in both math and reading, placing it among the state’s top-performing schools. Shell Rock emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and foundational skills to help students grow academically and socially in a supportive setting.
👉 Shell Rock Elementary School
Conclusion
Iowa offers many excellent elementary schools characterized by strong academic performance, caring teachers, and active communities. Families searching for the Best Elementary Schools in Iowa will find great options such as Fellows, Brookview, Hopewell, East Union, and Treynor—all known for strong academics and student growth. When choosing among the Best Elementary Schools in Iowa, consider test scores, student support, class sizes, enrichment programs, and school culture. Visiting schools and speaking with parents can help you identify the Best Elementary Schools in Iowa for your child. For more options and detailed profiles, check out Moonpreneur’s Iowa elementary schools directory, where you can explore even more of the Best Elementary Schools in Iowa.
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FAQs:
Schools like Fellows Elementary (Ames), Brookview (West Des Moines), and Hopewell (Bettendorf) are frequently top contenders due to high proficiency in reading and math, strong enrichment programs, and excellent teacher support.
Key factors include academic proficiency (reading & math scores), student-teacher ratio, enrichment and special programs (STEM, arts, gifted), school culture, parent involvement, and growth over time rather than one-time test results.
Yes. East Union Elementary recently placed in the top 1-2% of Iowa’s schools. Other schools like Brookview, Fellows, and Readlyn also often feature in statewide best school rankings.
The Iowa School Report Card website provides up-to-date data on proficiency scores, academic growth, school ratings, demographics, and more. Also, PublicSchoolReview and state education sources list annual rankings and performance profiles.
