For the 2025-26 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 887 students in Howard County, IA.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Howard County, IA are Riceville Elementary School, Crestwood Elementary School and Riceville High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Howard County, IA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 70% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 69% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Howard County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% 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 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 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: #33.
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 elementary schools in Howard County, IA?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Howard County, IA include Riceville Elementary School, Crestwood Elementary School and Riceville High School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Howard County?
3 public elementary schools are located in Howard County.
What is the racial composition of students in Howard County?
Howard County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 11% 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 Howard County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Howard County include: Crestwood Elementary School vs. Riceville Elementary School, Riceville Elementary School vs. Crestwood Elementary School
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