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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best School Districts in Iowa (2026)

The ranking below is based on the percentage of schools within a school district which have placed in the top 5% 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: 22% 100% Avg. Statewide: 76%

Top-Ranked School Districts in Iowa (2026)

School District
% of Schools in
Top 5% Statewide
Top-Ranked Schools
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
Rank: #1-21 - 2.
Treynor Comm School District (IA)
100%
(3 out of 3)
Rank: #1-21 - 2.
Van Meter Comm School District (IA)
100%
(3 out of 3)
Rank: #33.
Pleasant Valley Comm School District (IA)
88%
(7 out of 8)
Rank: #4-54 - 5.
Denver Comm School District (IA)
75%
(3 out of 4)
Rank: #4-54 - 5.
Gilbert Comm School District (IA)
75%
(3 out of 4)
Rank: #66.
Ankeny Comm School District (IA)
22%
(4 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.