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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Ames Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 4,688 students in Ames, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 215 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Ames, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Ames, IA are Fellows Elementary School, Mitchell Elementary School and Edwards Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ames, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 72% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Ames have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Ames, IA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Fellows Elementary School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1235 20th St.
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3765
Gr: K-5 | 489 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #22.
Mitchell Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
3521 Jewel Dr
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3775
Gr: K-5 | 314 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #33.
Edwards Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
820 Miller Ave
Ames, IA 50014
(515) 239-3760
Gr: K-5 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #44.
Ames High School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1801 Ridgewood Drive
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 817-0600
Gr: 9-12 | 1,440 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #55.
Meeker Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
300 20th Street
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3770
Gr: K-5 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #66.
Ames Middle School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
3915 Mortensen Road
Ames, IA 50014
(515) 268-2400
Gr: 6-8 | 1,033 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #77.
Sawyer Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
4316 Ontario St
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3790
Gr: K-5 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: n/an/a
Northwood Pre-school
3012 Duff Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 268-2470
Gr: PK | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 42%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Ames, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Ames, IA include Fellows Elementary School, Mitchell Elementary School and Edwards Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Ames?
8 public schools are located in Ames.
What percentage of students in Ames go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Ames are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Ames?
Ames public schools minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Ames are often viewed compared to one another?

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