For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,080 students in Jefferson County, IA (there are , serving 306 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in Jefferson County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in Jefferson County, IA are Washington Elementary School, Pekin Elementary School and Fairfield Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jefferson County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 67% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Jefferson County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Jefferson County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Washington Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84% )
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
406 East Madison Avenue
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-2110
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-2110
Gr: PK-1 | 255 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
Pekin Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1062 Birch Ave
Packwood, IA 52580
(641) 661-2351
Packwood, IA 52580
(641) 661-2351
Gr: PK-6 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #33.
Fairfield Middle School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
404 W Fillmore
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-5019
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-5019
Gr: 5-8 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
Pekin Community Junior/ Senior High School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1062 Birch Ave
Packwood, IA 52580
(319) 695-3705
Packwood, IA 52580
(319) 695-3705
Gr: 7-12 | 287 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #55.
Pence Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1000 South 6th Street
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-2957
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-2957
Gr: 2-4 | 339 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #66.
Fairfield High School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
605 E Broadway
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-2059
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-2059
Gr: 9-12 | 445 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Jefferson County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
202 Jefferson St
Libertyville, IA 52567
(641) 693-3971
Libertyville, IA 52567
(641) 693-3971
Gr: K-4 | 84 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
1062 Birch Ave.
Packwood, IA 52580
(319) 695-3707
Packwood, IA 52580
(319) 695-3707
Gr: 7-8 | 104 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Jefferson County, IA?
The top ranked public schools in Jefferson County, IA include Washington Elementary School, Pekin Elementary School and Fairfield Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Jefferson County?
6 public schools are located in Jefferson County.
What percentage of students in Jefferson County go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in Jefferson County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County public schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Jefferson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Jefferson County include: Fairfield High School vs. Pekin Community Junior/ Senior High School, Pekin Community Junior/ Senior High School vs. Fairfield High School, Pekin Elementary School vs. Washington Elementary School
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