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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Cities For Public Schools in Iowa (2026)

The ranking below is based on the percentage of schools within a town or city which have placed in the top 10% of all schools statewide.
A school's overall rank is based on its combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking. Schools are ranked and compared within their own state only.
Statewide Range: 33% 100% Avg. Statewide: 68%

Top-Ranked Cities With Best Public Schools in Iowa (2026)

City
% of Schools in
Top 10% Statewide
Top-Ranked Schools
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
Rank: #1-31 - 3.
Treynor, IA
100%
(4 out of 4)
Rank: #1-31 - 3.
Le Claire, IA
100%
(3 out of 3)
Rank: #1-31 - 3.
Van Meter, IA
100%
(3 out of 3)
Rank: #4-54 - 5.
Adel, IA
75%
(3 out of 4)
Rank: #4-54 - 5.
Gilbert, IA
75%
(3 out of 4)
Rank: #66.
Denver, IA
60%
(3 out of 5)
Rank: #7-87 - 8.
Bettendorf, IA
50%
(6 out of 12)
Rank: #7-87 - 8.
Pella, IA
50%
(3 out of 6)
Rank: #99.
Cedar Falls, IA
40%
(4 out of 10)
Rank: #1010.
Ankeny, IA
33%
(6 out of 18)

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Did You Know?

Testing rankings and test scores should not be compared across states - there is large variation in how states define "proficiency" on their standardized tests. In states with the lowest expectations, "proficiency" can be several grade levels below proficiency in states with the highest expectations.