For the 2025-26 school year, there are 12 public elementary schools serving 1,986 students in Buchanan County, IA.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Buchanan County, IA are Jesup Elementary School, Jesup Middle School and Fairbank Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Buchanan County, IA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 75% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 72% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Buchanan County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Buchanan County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Jesup Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
531 Prospect
Jesup, IA 50648
(319) 827-1700
Jesup, IA 50648
(319) 827-1700
Gr: PK-4 | 430 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #22.
Jesup Middle School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
531 Prospect
Jesup, IA 50648
(319) 827-1700
Jesup, IA 50648
(319) 827-1700
Gr: 5-8 | 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #33.
Fairbank Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
311 5th St N
Fairbank, IA 50629
(319) 635-2071
Fairbank, IA 50629
(319) 635-2071
Gr: PK-6 | 184 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #44.
East Buchanan Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
414 5th St North
Winthrop, IA 50682
(319) 935-3660
Winthrop, IA 50682
(319) 935-3660
Gr: PK-6 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #55.
West Elementary School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1301 1st St W
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7430
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7430
Gr: 3-6 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #66.
Rural Elementary School #1
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1099 Amish Blvd
Fairbank, IA 50629
(319) 635-2071
Fairbank, IA 50629
(319) 635-2071
Gr: K-8 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: #77.
Rural Elementary School #2
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1198 Fairbank Amish Blvd
Fairbank, IA 50629
(319) 635-2071
Fairbank, IA 50629
(319) 635-2071
Gr: K-8 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: #88.
Rural Elementary School #4
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1153 Denison Ave
Fairbank, IA 50629
(319) 635-2071
Fairbank, IA 50629
(319) 635-2071
Gr: K-8 | 18 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Rank: #99.
Prairie Grove Elementary School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1501 150th St
Jesup, IA 50648
(319) 827-1700
Jesup, IA 50648
(319) 827-1700
Gr: K-8 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Perry #1 Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1726 Fairbank Amish Blvd
Jesup, IA 50648
(319) 827-1700
Jesup, IA 50648
(319) 827-1700
Gr: K-8 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Triumph Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1348 145th St
Jesup, IA 50648
(319) 827-1700
Jesup, IA 50648
(319) 827-1700
Gr: K-8 | 39 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
Rank: n/an/a
1103 First Street West
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7425
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7425
Gr: K-2 | 281 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Buchanan County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Buchanan County Success Center (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
2349 Jamestown Ave
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7440
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7440
Gr: 9-12 | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
414 5th St North Po Box 40
Winthrop, IA 50682
(319) 935-3367
Winthrop, IA 50682
(319) 935-3367
Gr: 9-12 | 193 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
514 5th Ave Se
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7405
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7405
Gr: 7-8 | 174 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
1503 130th St
Hazleton, IA 50641
(319) 635-2071
Hazleton, IA 50641
(319) 635-2071
Gr: K-8 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
408 Rowley Street
Rowley, IA 52329
(319) 938-2284
Rowley, IA 52329
(319) 938-2284
Gr: K-5 | 85 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Buchanan County, IA?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Buchanan County, IA include Jesup Elementary School, Jesup Middle School and Fairbank Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Buchanan County?
12 public elementary schools are located in Buchanan County.
What is the racial composition of students in Buchanan County?
Buchanan County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Buchanan County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Buchanan County include: Fairbank Elementary School vs. Jesup Elementary School, Jesup Elementary School vs. Fairbank Elementary School
Recent Articles

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.

Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.

Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.