For the 2025-26 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,396 students in Howard County, IA (there are , serving 243 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in Howard County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Howard County, IA are Riceville Elementary School, Crestwood High School and Crestwood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Howard County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 69% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 72% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Howard County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Howard County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Riceville Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
912 Woodland Ave
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Gr: PK-5 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
Crestwood High School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1000 Schroder Dr
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2764
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2764
Gr: 7-12 | 509 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Crestwood Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1000 4th Ave East
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2001
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2001
Gr: K-6 | 456 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Riceville High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
912 Woodland Ave
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Gr: 6-12 | 205 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Howard County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1135 Canterbury St.
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-5424
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-5424
Gr: PK | 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
1000 4th Ave East
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2300
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2300
Gr: 6-8 | 204 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Crestwood Alternative School (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
205 3rd Ave West
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2310
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2310
Gr: 9-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
120 W. Jackson, 120 W. Jackson
Lime Springs, IA 52155
(563) 566-2221
Lime Springs, IA 52155
(563) 566-2221
Gr: PK | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Howard County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Howard County, IA include Riceville Elementary School, Crestwood High School and Crestwood Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Howard County?
4 public schools are located in Howard County.
What percentage of students in Howard County go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in Howard County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Howard County?
Howard County public schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Howard County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Howard County include: Crestwood Elementary School vs. Riceville 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.