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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Winneshiek County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 2,100 students in Winneshiek County, IA (there are 4 private schools, serving 475 private students). 81% of all K-12 students in Winneshiek County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Winneshiek County, IA are Decorah High School, Decorah Middle School and Carrie Lee Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Winneshiek County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 84% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 83% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Winneshiek County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 1% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Winneshiek County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Decorah High School
(Math: 87% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
100 Claiborne Drive
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3643
Gr: 9-12 | 555 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Decorah Middle School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
405 Winnebago St.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-8427
Gr: 5-8 | 432 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Carrie Lee Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
210 Vernon Street
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3771
Gr: 3-4 | 215 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
South Winneshiek High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
203 W South St
Calmar, IA 52132
(563) 562-3226
Gr: 9-12 | 205 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
South Winneshiek Elementary School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
208 E Brooks St
Ossian, IA 52161
(563) 532-9365
Gr: PK-4 | 198 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #66.
South Winneshiek Middle School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
208 E Brooks St
Ossian, IA 52161
(563) 532-9365
Gr: 5-8 | 126 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: n/an/a
John Cline Elementary School
101 Claiborne Drive
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3125
Gr: K-2 | 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: n/an/a
West Side Elementary School
301 Center Street
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-4451
Gr: PK | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Winneshiek County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Winneshiek County, IA include Decorah High School, Decorah Middle School and Carrie Lee Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Winneshiek County?
8 public schools are located in Winneshiek County.
What percentage of students in Winneshiek County go to public school?
81% of all K-12 students in Winneshiek County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Winneshiek County?
Winneshiek County public schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

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