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 Clay County (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Clay County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,224 students in Clay County, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 292 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in Clay County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Clay County, IA are Spencer High School, Spencer Middle School and Lincoln Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 74% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 74% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Clay County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Spencer High School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
800 E 3rd St
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-1700
Gr: 9-12 | 688 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Spencer Middle School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1400 10th Avenue East
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3345
Gr: 6-8 | 514 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
615 4th Ave. Sw
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3752
Gr: 3-5 | 442 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
Fairview Park Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 45-49% )
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1508 5th Ave. East
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-4842
Gr: 1-2 | 249 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #55.
Clay Central-everly Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
401 Church St
Royal, IA 51357
(712) 933-2241
Gr: PK-6 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
Johnson Elementary School
724 West 9th Street
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-2710
Gr: PK-K | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 19%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Clay County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Clay County, IA include Spencer High School, Spencer Middle School and Lincoln Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Clay County?
6 public schools are located in Clay County.
What percentage of students in Clay County go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in Clay County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Clay 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: