For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 2,100 students in Winneshiek County, IA (there are , serving 257 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in Winneshiek County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Winneshiek County, IA are Decorah High School, Decorah Middle School and Carrie Lee Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Winneshiek County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 84% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 83% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Winneshiek County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 1% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Winneshiek County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Decorah High School
(Math: 87% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
100 Claiborne Drive
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3643
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3643
Gr: 9-12 | 569 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Decorah Middle School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
405 Winnebago St.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-8427
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-8427
Gr: 5-8 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Carrie Lee Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
210 Vernon Street
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3771
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3771
Gr: 3-4 | 228 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
South Winneshiek High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
203 W South St
Calmar, IA 52132
(563) 562-3226
Calmar, IA 52132
(563) 562-3226
Gr: 9-12 | 195 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #55.
South Winneshiek Elementary School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
208 E Brooks St
Ossian, IA 52161
(563) 532-9365
Ossian, IA 52161
(563) 532-9365
Gr: PK-4 | 207 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #66.
South Winneshiek Middle School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
208 E Brooks St
Ossian, IA 52161
(563) 532-9365
Ossian, IA 52161
(563) 532-9365
Gr: 5-8 | 130 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
101 Claiborne Drive
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3125
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3125
Gr: K-2 | 310 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: n/an/a
301 Center Street
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-4451
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-4451
Gr: PK-K | 25 students Minority enrollment: 16%
Winneshiek County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
3495 North Winn Road
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 735-5411
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 735-5411
Gr: PK-6 | 64 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
3495 North Winn Road
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 735-5411
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 735-5411
Gr: 6-8 | 37 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Winneshiek County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Winneshiek County, IA include Decorah High School, Decorah Middle School and Carrie Lee Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Winneshiek County?
8 public schools are located in Winneshiek County.
What percentage of students in Winneshiek County go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Winneshiek County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Winneshiek County?
Winneshiek County public schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Winneshiek County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Winneshiek County include: Decorah High School vs. South Winneshiek High School, South Winneshiek High School vs. Decorah High School
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.