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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Ottumwa Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 5,005 students in Ottumwa, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 183 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Ottumwa, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Ottumwa, IA are Eisenhower Elementary School, Horace Mann Elementary School and Evans Junior High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ottumwa, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Ottumwa have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Ottumwa, IA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Eisenhower Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
2624 Marilyn Rd
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-5617
Gr: K-5 | 248 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #22.
Horace Mann Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1523 N Court St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-4661
Gr: K-5 | 250 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #33.
Evans Junior High School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
812 Chester Avenue
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-6511
Gr: 8-9 | 684 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #44.
Wilson Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1102 E. 4th St.
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-5441
Gr: K-5 | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #55.
Ottumwa High School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
501 E 2nd
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 683-4444
Gr: 10-12 | 910 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #66.
Liberty Intermediate School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
50 Traxler Drive
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-4502
Gr: 6-7 | 633 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #77.
James Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1001 N Benton
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-5411
Gr: K-5 | 249 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #88.
Ottumwa Virtual Learning
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
115 N Ferry St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-6597
Gr: PK-12 | 106 students Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: n/an/a
Douma Elementary School
307 W. Mary St.
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-4668
Gr: 1-2 | 327 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: n/an/a
Fahrney Elementary School
520 South Milner
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-6597
Gr: 3-5 | 490 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: n/an/a
Gateway High School
907 Gateway Drive
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-6597
Gr: 9-12 | 213 students Student-teacher ratio: 30:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: n/an/a
Pickwick Early Childhood Center
1306 W Williams
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-7179
Gr: PK-K | 560 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 50%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Ottumwa, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Ottumwa, IA include Eisenhower Elementary School, Horace Mann Elementary School and Evans Junior High School.
How many public schools are located in Ottumwa?
12 public schools are located in Ottumwa.
What percentage of students in Ottumwa go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Ottumwa are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Ottumwa?
Ottumwa public schools minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Ottumwa are often viewed compared to one another?

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