For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 1,348 students in Jefferson County, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary 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 elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 71% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 76% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Jefferson County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% 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 Jefferson County (2026)
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.
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%
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 elementary schools in Jefferson County, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Jefferson County, IA include Washington Elementary School, Pekin Elementary School and Fairfield Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Jefferson County?
4 public elementary schools are located in Jefferson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.