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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Jefferson County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,080 students in Jefferson County, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 239 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Jefferson County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public 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 schools have an average math proficiency score of 67% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Jefferson County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Jefferson County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Washington Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84% )
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
406 East Madison Avenue
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-2110
Gr: PK-1 | 239 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Pekin Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1062 Birch Ave
Packwood, IA 52580
(641) 661-2351
Gr: PK-6 | 308 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Fairfield Middle School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
404 W Fillmore
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-5019
Gr: 5-8 | 410 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
Pekin Community Junior/ Senior High School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1062 Birch Ave
Packwood, IA 52580
(319) 695-3705
Gr: 7-12 | 258 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #55.
Pence Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1000 South 6th Street
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-2957
Gr: 2-4 | 317 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #66.
Fairfield High School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
605 E Broadway
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-2059
Gr: 9-12 | 442 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 18%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Jefferson County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Jefferson County, IA include Washington Elementary School, Pekin Elementary School and Fairfield Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Jefferson County?
6 public schools are located in Jefferson County.
What percentage of students in Jefferson County go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Jefferson County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County public schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Jefferson County are often viewed compared to one another?

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