For the 2025 school year, there are 2 public high schools serving 714 students in Howard County, IA.
The top ranked public high schools in Howard County, IA are Crestwood High 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 high schools have an average math proficiency score of 68% (versus the Iowa public high school average of 65%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 71% statewide average). High schools in Howard County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public high schools.
Howard County, IA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 93%, which is more than the Iowa average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Crestwood High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Iowa or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public high school average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Howard County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Crestwood High School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1000 Schroder Dr
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2764
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2764
Grades: 7-12
| 509 students
Rank: #22.
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
Grades: 6-12
| 205 students
Howard County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1135 Canterbury St.
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-5424
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-5424
Grades: PK
| 68 students
1000 4th Ave East
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2300
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2300
Grades: 6-8
| 204 students
Crestwood Alternative School (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
205 3rd Ave West
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2310
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2310
Grades: 9-12
| 15 students
319 Oak St, 319 Oak St
Elma, IA 50628
(641) 393-2280
Elma, IA 50628
(641) 393-2280
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
120 W. Jackson, 120 W. Jackson
Lime Springs, IA 52155
(563) 566-2221
Lime Springs, IA 52155
(563) 566-2221
Grades: PK
| 9 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Howard County, IA?
The top ranked public high schools in Howard County, IA include Crestwood High School and Riceville High School.
How many public high schools are located in Howard County?
2 public high schools are located in Howard County.
What is the racial composition of students in Howard County?
Howard County public high schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public high schools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
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