For the 2025 school year, there are 82 blue ribbon public schools serving 32,120 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 and how blue ribbon schools work.
The top ranked blue ribbon public schools in Iowa are Denver Senior High School, Gilbert High School and Prairie Trail Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Iowa blue ribbon public schools have an average math proficiency score of 80% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 80% (versus the 70% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Blue Ribbon Public Schools in Iowa (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Denver Senior High School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
800 Longview Drive
Denver, IA 50622
(319) 984-5639
Denver, IA 50622
(319) 984-5639
Gr: 9-12 | 273 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #22.
Gilbert High School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
312 Gretten
Gilbert, IA 50105
(515) 232-3738
Gilbert, IA 50105
(515) 232-3738
Gr: 9-12 | 528 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
Prairie Trail Elementary School
(Math: 92% | Reading: 88%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1850 Sw College Ave
Ankeny, IA 50023
(515) 965-9605
Ankeny, IA 50023
(515) 965-9605
Gr: K-5 | 542 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #44.
Bess Streeter Aldrich Elementary School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2526 Ashworth Drive
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 553-2901
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 553-2901
Gr: PK-6 | 475 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Mitchellville Elementary School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
308 Elm Ave Nw
Mitchellville, IA 50169
(515) 967-4274
Mitchellville, IA 50169
(515) 967-4274
Gr: PK-5 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Whittier Elementary School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1310 2nd Ave S
Clinton, IA 52732
(563) 243-3230
Clinton, IA 52732
(563) 243-3230
Gr: K-5 | 337 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #77.
Grundy Center Middle School
(Math: 91% | 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
Gr: 5-8 | 217 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Decorah High School
(Math: 87% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
100 Claiborne Drive
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3643
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3643
Gr: 9-12 | 569 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Pella High School
(Math: 87% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
212 E University St
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-3870
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-3870
Gr: 9-12 | 791 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #1010.
Van Meter High School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
520 1st Ave
Van Meter, IA 50261
(515) 996-2221
Van Meter, IA 50261
(515) 996-2221
Gr: 9-12 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #1111.
Taft Elementary School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
612 2nd Ave North
Humboldt, IA 50548
(515) 332-3216
Humboldt, IA 50548
(515) 332-3216
Gr: 1-4 | 415 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #1212.
North Kossuth Elementary School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
203 5th Street North
Swea City, IA 50590
(515) 272-4361
Swea City, IA 50590
(515) 272-4361
Gr: PK-5 | 140 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #1313.
Northeast Elementary School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1705 Ne Trilein Dr
Ankeny, IA 50021
(515) 965-9620
Ankeny, IA 50021
(515) 965-9620
Gr: K-5 | 631 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #1414.
Helen A Hansen Elementary School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 88%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
616 Holmes Dr
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 553-2775
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 553-2775
Gr: PK-6 | 565 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #1515.
Webster Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
12955 Aurora Avenue
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 331-8600
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 331-8600
Gr: PK-5 | 546 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #16 - 1716. - 17.
Bedford Elementary School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
906 Pennsylvania St
Bedford, IA 50833
(712) 523-2116
Bedford, IA 50833
(712) 523-2116
Gr: PK-5 | 280 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #16 - 1716. - 17.
Runnells Elementary School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6575 Se 116th Street
Runnells, IA 50237
(515) 966-2068
Runnells, IA 50237
(515) 966-2068
Gr: PK-5 | 276 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #1818.
Adm Senior High School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
801 Nile Kinnick Dr S
Adel, IA 50003
(515) 993-4584
Adel, IA 50003
(515) 993-4584
Gr: 9-12 | 682 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #19 - 2019. - 20.
Pleasant Valley High School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
604 Belmont Road
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 332-5151
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 332-5151
Gr: 9-12 | 1,679 student Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #19 - 2019. - 20.
West Lyon High School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1787 182nd Street
Inwood, IA 51240
(712) 753-4917
Inwood, IA 51240
(712) 753-4917
Gr: 9-12 | 284 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #21 - 2321. - 23.
Bryant Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1280 Rush St
Dubuque, IA 52003
(563) 552-3400
Dubuque, IA 52003
(563) 552-3400
Gr: PK-5 | 314 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #21 - 2321. - 23.
Delwood Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
311 Delmar Ave
Delmar, IA 52037
(563) 674-4164
Delmar, IA 52037
(563) 674-4164
Gr: PK-6 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #21 - 2321. - 23.
Maquoketa Valley Middle School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
112 Third Street
Delhi, IA 52223
(563) 922-9411
Delhi, IA 52223
(563) 922-9411
Gr: 6-8 | 147 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #2424.
Peet Junior High School
(Math: 82% | 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
Gr: 7-9 | 690 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #2525.
Vinton-shellsburg Middle School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
212 W. 15th St.
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Gr: 6-8 | 337 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #2626.
Sunnyside Elementary School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2700 S Maple St
Sioux City, IA 51106
(712) 274-4047
Sioux City, IA 51106
(712) 274-4047
Gr: 3-5 | 249 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #2727.
Moc-floyd Valley High School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
615 8th St Se
Orange City, IA 51041
(712) 737-4871
Orange City, IA 51041
(712) 737-4871
Gr: 9-12 | 496 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #2828.
Davis Elementary School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
818 Hamilton Avenue
Grinnell, IA 50112
(641) 236-2790
Grinnell, IA 50112
(641) 236-2790
Gr: 3-4 | 228 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #2929.
Westside Junior-senior High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
108 Clinton St
Westside, IA 51467
(712) 663-4311
Westside, IA 51467
(712) 663-4311
Gr: 6-12 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #3030.
Rock Run Elementary School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
710 North St
Iowa Falls, IA 50126
(641) 648-6420
Iowa Falls, IA 50126
(641) 648-6420
Gr: 2-5 | 297 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #3131.
East Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
501 Normal College Ave
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Gr: PK-4 | 460 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #3232.
Carroll High School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2809 N Grant Rd
Carroll, IA 51401
(712) 792-8010
Carroll, IA 51401
(712) 792-8010
Gr: 9-12 | 545 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #3333.
Summit Middle School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
9500 Windsor Parkway
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 986-0318
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 986-0318
Gr: 6-7 | 1,135 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #3434.
Sergeant Bluff-luton Senior High School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
708 Warrior Road
Sergeant Bluff, IA 51054
(712) 943-5561
Sergeant Bluff, IA 51054
(712) 943-5561
Gr: 9-12 | 537 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #3535.
Harlan High School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2102 Durant
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-3101
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-3101
Gr: 9-12 | 477 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Show 47 more public schools in Iowa (out of 82 total schools)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked blue ribbon public schools in Iowa?
The top ranked blue ribbon public schools in Iowa include Denver Senior High School, Gilbert High School and Prairie Trail Elementary School.
How many blue ribbon public schools are located in Iowa?
82 blue ribbon public schools are located in Iowa.
What is the racial composition of students in Iowa?
Iowa blue ribbon public schools minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
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