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 Improved Public Schools in Iowa (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Improved Public Schools in Iowa (2026)

The most improved public schools in Iowa are South Page Elementary School, Essex Junior-senior High School and Sioux Central Middle School.
A school's improvement is based on a its total rise in ranking spots during the last five years (2021-26).
Improved Rank Range: 650 1,021 Avg. Improved Rank: 760

Most Improved Public Schools in Iowa (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Ranking Change (2021-26)
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
South Page Elementary School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +1021
(from 1,295 to 274)
Grades: PK-6
606 Iowa Ave
College Springs, IA 51637
(712) 582-3212
Rank: #22.
Essex Junior-senior High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +1007
(from 1,183 to 176)
Grades: 6-12
111 Forbes St
Essex, IA 51638
(712) 379-3115
Rank: #33.
Sioux Central Middle School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +871
(from 1,126 to 255)
Grades: 6-8
4440 U.s. Hwy 71
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Rank: #44.
Vinton-shellsburg Middle School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Rank Change: +860
(from 982 to 122)
Grades: 6-8
212 W. 15th St.
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Rank: #55.
Whittier Elementary School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Rank Change: +835
(from 854 to 19)
Grades: K-5
1310 2nd Ave S
Clinton, IA 52732
(563) 243-3230
Rank: #66.
West Hancock Middle School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Rank Change: +825
(from 914 to 89)
Grades: 5-8
423 E. 5th St.
Kanawha, IA 50447
(641) 762-3261
Rank: #77.
North Iowa Elementary Buffalo Center
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +815
(from 1,032 to 217)
Grades: PK-5
111 3rd Ave Nw
Buffalo Center, IA 50424
(641) 562-2525
Rank: #88.
Ballard High School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +812
(from 947 to 135)
Grades: 9-12
701 Ballard Drive
Huxley, IA 50124
(515) 597-2971
Rank: #99.
Highland Middle School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +800
(from 1,160 to 360)
Grades: 6-8
1715 Vine Avenue
Riverside, IA 52327
(319) 648-2891
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
St. Ansgar High School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Rank Change: +792
(from 857 to 65)
Grades: 9-12
206 East 8th Street
Saint Ansgar, IA 50472
(641) 713-4720
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Lewis Central Middle School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +792
(from 1,195 to 403)
Grades: 6-8
3820 Harry Langdon Blvd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712) 366-8252
Rank: #1212.
Penn Elementary School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Rank Change: +791
(from 911 to 120)
Grades: PK-5
230 N Dubuque St
North Liberty, IA 52317
(319) 688-1150
Rank: #1313.
West Burlington Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +778
(from 995 to 217)
Grades: PK-6
545 Ramsey St
West Burlington, IA 52655
(319) 752-8747
Rank: #14 - 1514. - 15.
Pleasantville Middle School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +777
(from 1,032 to 255)
Grades: 7-8
415 Jones St
Pleasantville, IA 50225
(515) 848-0528
Rank: #14 - 1514. - 15.
Westwood Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +777
(from 1,032 to 255)
Grades: PK-6
1000 Rebel Way
Sloan, IA 51055
(712) 428-3200
Rank: #1616.
Clayton Ridge Middle School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Rank Change: +775
(from 804 to 29)
Grades: 6-8
131. S. River Park Drive
Guttenberg, IA 52052
(563) 252-1747
Rank: #1717.
Coon Rapids-bayard 6-12 Attendance Center
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +771
(from 947 to 176)
Grades: 6-12
905 North Street
Coon Rapids, IA 50058
(712) 999-2208
Rank: #1818.
Aplington-parkersburg Middle School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +770
(from 914 to 144)
Grades: 6-8
215 10th St
Aplington, IA 50604
(319) 347-6621
Rank: #1919.
West Hancock Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +732
(from 892 to 160)
Grades: PK-4
510 9th Ave Sw
Britt, IA 50423
(641) 843-3833
Rank: #2020.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +730
(from 947 to 217)
Grades: PK-6
400 1st Street Nw
Elkader, IA 52043
(563) 245-1472
Rank: #21 - 2221. - 22.
Jesup Middle School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +728
(from 1,028 to 300)
Grades: 5-8
531 Prospect
Jesup, IA 50648
(319) 827-1700
Rank: #21 - 2221. - 22.
Schaller-crestland Elementary School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +728
(from 1,032 to 304)
Grades: PK-5
300 S Berwick
Schaller, IA 51053
(712) 275-4267
Rank: #2323.
West Hancock High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +713
(from 857 to 144)
Grades: 9-12
420 9th Ave Sw
Britt, IA 50423
(641) 843-3863
Rank: #2424.
East Mills Jr/sr High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +708
(from 884 to 176)
Grades: 6-12
1505 E 15th Street
Malvern, IA 51551
(712) 624-8645
Rank: #2525.
Denison Middle School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +697
(from 1,155 to 458)
Grades: 6-8
1201 North 16th Street
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 263-9393
Rank: #2626.
Clarksville High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +692
(from 947 to 255)
Grades: 7-12
318 N. Mather St.
Clarksville, IA 50619
(319) 278-4273
Rank: #2727.
Sylvia Enarson Elementary School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +683
(from 1,207 to 524)
Grades: PK-5
219 Central Avenue
Villisca, IA 50864
(712) 826-5982
Rank: #2828.
Woodward-granger High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +681
(from 857 to 176)
Grades: 9-12
306 W 3rd St
Woodward, IA 50276
(515) 438-2115
Rank: #2929.
Albia Middle School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +679
(from 1,015 to 336)
Grades: 7-8
505 C Ave E
Albia, IA 52531
(641) 932-2161
Rank: #30 - 3130. - 31.
Moravia Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +672
(from 1,032 to 360)
Grades: PK-5
507 N Trussell Ave
Moravia, IA 52571
(641) 724-3241
Rank: #30 - 3130. - 31.
Sidney Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +672
(from 1,032 to 360)
Grades: PK-6
1004 Illinois St
Sidney, IA 51652
(712) 374-2647
Rank: #3232.
Central Lee High School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +658
(from 1,088 to 430)
Grades: 9-12
2642 Highway 218
Donnellson, IA 52625
(319) 835-9510
Rank: #3333.
J C Hoglan Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +654
(from 1,220 to 566)
Grades: PK-4
2306 S 3rd Ave
Marshalltown, IA 50158
(641) 754-1060
Rank: #3434.
Underwood Middle School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Rank Change: +653
(from 682 to 29)
Grades: 6-8
601 Third Street
Underwood, IA 51576
(712) 566-2332
Rank: #3535.
Tri-center Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +650
(from 794 to 144)
Grades: PK-5
33980 310th St
Neola, IA 51559
(712) 485-2211
Show 100 more public schools in IA (out of 1,186 total schools)
Loading...

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

Hello Budget Cuts, Goodbye Sports: The Threat to Athletics
Hello Budget Cuts, Goodbye Sports: The Threat to Athletics
 School Rankings by Category
School Rankings by Category
Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons
Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons
 10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools
10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools
 Education Funding in America (2025 Update)
Education Funding in America (2025 Update)

More Articles

Local School Topics
Opinion
Public School Jobs
Parenting and Learning Issues
Public School Policies