For the 2025-26 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 2,817 students in Buena Vista County, IA.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Buena Vista County, IA are Sioux Central Middle School, Alta Elementary School and Sioux Central Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Buena Vista County, IA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 60% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Buena Vista County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public elementary school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Buena Vista County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sioux Central Middle School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4440 U.s. Hwy 71
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Gr: 6-8 | 145 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #22.
Alta Elementary School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1009 Main St
Alta, IA 51002
(712) 200-1400
Alta, IA 51002
(712) 200-1400
Gr: PK-4 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #33.
Sioux Central Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4440 U.s. Hwy 71
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Gr: PK-5 | 234 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #44.
Newell-fonda Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
205 Clark St
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Gr: PK-5 | 287 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #55.
Albert City-truesdale Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
300 Orchard
Albert City, IA 50510
(712) 843-5416
Albert City, IA 50510
(712) 843-5416
Gr: PK-6 | 104 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #66.
Newell-fonda Middle School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
205 Clark St
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Gr: 6-8 | 130 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #77.
Storm Lake Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1811 Hyland Drive
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8080
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8080
Gr: 5-8 | 843 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #88.
Storm Lake Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1810 Hyland Drive
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8074
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8074
Gr: 1-4 | 807 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Buena Vista County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Box 98
Albert City, IA 50510
(712) 843-5416
Albert City, IA 50510
(712) 843-5416
Gr: 6-12 | 120 students Minority enrollment: 3%
1009 Main St
Alta, IA 51002
(712) 200-1401
Alta, IA 51002
(712) 200-1401
Gr: 5-8 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Buffalo Ridge Charter School (Closed 2009)
Charter School
4440 U.s. Hwy 71
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Gr: 1-6
205 Clark St Po Box 297
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Gr: PK-K | 6 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
205 Clark St, 205 Clark St
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Gr: 4-5 | 79 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
301 E 7th
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8072
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8072
Gr: 2-4 | 122 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
310 Cayuga
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8069
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8069
Gr: PK-4 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Storm Lake Alternative School (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
621 Tornado Dr
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 749-5180
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 749-5180
Gr: 9-12
1001 W 6th St
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8074
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8074
Gr: K-4 | 202 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Buena Vista County, IA?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Buena Vista County, IA include Sioux Central Middle School, Alta Elementary School and Sioux Central Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Buena Vista County?
8 public elementary schools are located in Buena Vista County.
What is the racial composition of students in Buena Vista County?
Buena Vista County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Buena Vista County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Buena Vista County include: Storm Lake Middle School vs. Storm Lake Elementary School, Storm Lake Elementary School vs. Storm Lake Middle School, Newell-fonda Elementary School vs. Sioux Central Elementary School
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