Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Schools in Buena Vista County (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Buena Vista County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 4,629 students in Buena Vista County, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 574 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in Buena Vista County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Buena Vista County, IA are Sioux Central Middle School, Alta Elementary School and Sioux Central Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Buena Vista County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 54% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 60% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Buena Vista County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Buena Vista County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sioux Central Middle School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4440 U.s. Hwy 71
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Gr: 6-8 | 155 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Alta Elementary School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1009 Main St
Alta, IA 51002
(712) 200-1400
Gr: PK-4 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #33.
Sioux Central Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4440 U.s. Hwy 71
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Gr: PK-5 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #44.
Sioux Central High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
4440 U.s. Hwy 71
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Gr: 9-12 | 255 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #55.
Newell-fonda Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
205 Clark St
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Gr: PK-5 | 280 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #66.
Alta-aurelia High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1009 South Main Street
Alta, IA 51002
(712) 200-1331
Gr: 9-12 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #77.
Albert City-truesdale Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
300 Orchard
Albert City, IA 50510
(712) 843-5416
Gr: PK-6 | 100 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #88.
Newell-fonda Middle School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
205 Clark St
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Gr: 6-8 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #99.
Newell-fonda High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
205 Clark St
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3325
Gr: 9-12 | 138 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #1010.
Storm Lake Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1811 Hyland Drive
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8080
Gr: 6-8 | 651 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #1111.
Storm Lake High School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
621 Tornado Dr
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8065
Gr: 9-12 | 851 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #1212.
Storm Lake Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1810 Hyland Drive
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8074
Gr: 2-5 | 822 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: n/an/a
East Early Childhood Center
930 E 5th
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8076
Gr: PK | 122 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: n/an/a
St. Lake/ia Cntrl/buena Vista Early College High School
Charter School
621 Tornado Dr
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8065
Gr: 12 | 50 students Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: n/an/a
Storm Lake Early Elementary School
5950 90th Avenue
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 213-2110
Gr: K-1 | 437 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 89%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Buena Vista County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Buena Vista County, IA include Sioux Central Middle School, Alta Elementary School and Sioux Central Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Buena Vista County?
15 public schools are located in Buena Vista County.
What percentage of students in Buena Vista County go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Buena Vista County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Buena Vista County?
Buena Vista County public schools minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Buena Vista County are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (IA):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons
Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons
 Iowa Top-Ranked Public Schools
Iowa Top-Ranked Public Schools
Changing Demographics Will Alter the Diversity of Public Schools
Changing Demographics Will Alter the Diversity of Public Schools
 What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?
What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?
 Hello Budget Cuts, Goodbye Sports: The Threat to Athletics
Hello Budget Cuts, Goodbye Sports: The Threat to Athletics

More Articles

Local School Topics
Public School Jobs
Opinion
Teaching
Public School Policies