For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 887 students in Howard County, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Howard County, IA are Riceville Elementary School, Crestwood Elementary School and Riceville High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Howard County, IA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 70% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 69% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Howard County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% 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 Howard County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Riceville Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
912 Woodland Ave
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Gr: PK-5 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
Crestwood Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1000 4th Ave East
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2001
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2001
Gr: K-6 | 456 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #33.
Riceville High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
912 Woodland Ave
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Gr: 6-12 | 205 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Howard County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1135 Canterbury St.
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-5424
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-5424
Gr: PK | 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
1000 4th Ave East
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2300
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2300
Gr: 6-8 | 204 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Crestwood Alternative School (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
205 3rd Ave West
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2310
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2310
Gr: 9-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
120 W. Jackson, 120 W. Jackson
Lime Springs, IA 52155
(563) 566-2221
Lime Springs, IA 52155
(563) 566-2221
Gr: PK | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Howard County, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Howard County, IA include Riceville Elementary School, Crestwood Elementary School and Riceville High School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Howard County?
3 public elementary schools are located in Howard County.
What is the racial composition of students in Howard County?
Howard County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
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