For the 2025-26 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 1,289 students in Clay County, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Clay County, IA are Spencer Middle School, Lincoln Elementary School and Fairview Park Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay County, IA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 74% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 72% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Clay County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Spencer Middle School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1400 10th Avenue East
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3345
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3345
Gr: 6-8 | 502 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
615 4th Ave. Sw
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3752
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3752
Gr: 3-5 | 462 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #33.
Fairview Park Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 45-49% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1508 5th Ave. East
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-4842
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-4842
Gr: 1-2 | 262 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #44.
Clay Central-everly Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
401 Church St
Royal, IA 51357
(712) 933-2241
Royal, IA 51357
(712) 933-2241
Gr: PK-6 | 63 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Clay County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
306 E 2nd St Po Box 110
Everly, IA 51338
(712) 834-2227
Everly, IA 51338
(712) 834-2227
Gr: 3-5 | 72 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
306 E 2nd St
Everly, IA 51338
(712) 834-2227
Everly, IA 51338
(712) 834-2227
Gr: 7-12 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
401 Church St
Royal, IA 51357
(712) 933-2241
Royal, IA 51357
(712) 933-2241
Gr: 5-8 | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
411 E 10th St Po Box 200
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-2882
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-2882
Gr: PK-K | 36 students Minority enrollment: 9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Clay County, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Clay County, IA include Spencer Middle School, Lincoln Elementary School and Fairview Park Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Clay County?
4 public elementary schools are located in Clay County.
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Clay County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Clay County include: Lincoln Elementary School vs. Clay Central-everly Elementary School, Clay Central-everly Elementary School vs. Lincoln Elementary School, Fairview Park Elementary School vs. Lincoln Elementary School
Recent Articles
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.
School Supply Budget 2026: Fees, Books, Tech Costs
School Supply Budget 2026 guide for parents, covering fees, textbooks, technology, and hidden extras to plan ahead.
Education Funding in America (2025 Update)
Comprehensive 2025 update on public school funding in America, new federal and state policies, per-pupil spending, and equity challenges.