For the 2025 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 2,100 students in Winneshiek County, IA (there are , serving 257 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in Winneshiek County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in Winneshiek County, IA are Decorah High School, Decorah Middle School and Carrie Lee Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Winneshiek County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 79% (versus the Iowa public school average of 64%), and reading proficiency score of 83% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Winneshiek County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Winneshiek County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Decorah High School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
100 Claiborne Drive
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3643
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3643
Grades: 9-12
| 569 students
Rank: #22.
Decorah Middle School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
405 Winnebago St.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-8427
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-8427
Grades: 5-8
| 436 students
Rank: #33.
Carrie Lee Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
210 Vernon Street
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3771
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3771
Grades: 3-4
| 228 students
Rank: #44.
South Winneshiek Elementary School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
208 E Brooks St
Ossian, IA 52161
(563) 532-9365
Ossian, IA 52161
(563) 532-9365
Grades: PK-4
| 207 students
Rank: #55.
South Winneshiek High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
203 W South St
Calmar, IA 52132
(563) 562-3226
Calmar, IA 52132
(563) 562-3226
Grades: 9-12
| 195 students
Rank: #66.
South Winneshiek Middle School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
208 E Brooks St
Ossian, IA 52161
(563) 532-9365
Ossian, IA 52161
(563) 532-9365
Grades: 5-8
| 130 students
Rank: n/an/a
101 Claiborne Drive
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3125
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3125
Grades: K-2
| 310 students
Rank: n/an/a
301 Center Street
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-4451
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-4451
Grades: PK-K
| 25 students
Winneshiek County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
3495 North Winn Road
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 735-5411
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 735-5411
Grades: PK-6
| 64 students
3495 North Winn Road
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 735-5411
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 735-5411
Grades: 6-8
| 37 students
435 County St
Ridgeway, IA 52165
(563) 737-2211
Ridgeway, IA 52165
(563) 737-2211
Grades: PK-6
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Winneshiek County, IA?
The top ranked public schools in Winneshiek County, IA include Decorah High School, Decorah Middle School and Carrie Lee Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Winneshiek County?
8 public schools are located in Winneshiek County.
What percentage of students in Winneshiek County go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Winneshiek County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Winneshiek County?
Winneshiek County public schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Winneshiek County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Winneshiek County include: South Winneshiek High School vs. Decorah High School
Recent Articles
The Link Between Education and Incarceration: The NAACP Report
Education and the rate of incarceration have been linked in a recent NAACP report. Learn about the report and the troubling findings.
The Debate Over Mandatory AP Exams: Balancing Academic Rigor and Student Well-being
Some public schools are forcing students in AP courses to take the AP exam. Here's a look at both sides of the debate and the potential benefits in store for both students and high schools.
The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.