For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 3,140 students in Burlington, IA (there are 3 private schools, serving 1,037 private students). 79% of all K-12 students in Burlington, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Burlington, IA are Sunnyside Elementary School, Black Hawk Elementary School and North Hill Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Burlington, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Burlington have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Burlington, IA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sunnyside Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2040 Sunnyside Ave.
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-5244
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-5244
Gr: K-4 | 298 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
Black Hawk Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2804 S 14th St
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-5300
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-5300
Gr: K-4 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #33.
North Hill Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
825 N. 9th St.
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-6363
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-6363
Gr: K-4 | 268 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #44.
Aldo Leopold Intermediate School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3075 Sunnyside
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 752-8390
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 752-8390
Gr: 5-6 | 412 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #55.
James Wilson Grimes School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
800 South St.
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-0420
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-0420
Gr: K-4 | 212 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #66.
Burlington Community High School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
421 Terrace Dr
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-2211
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-2211
Gr: 9-12 | 1,016 student Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #77.
Edward Stone Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3000 Mason Rd.
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 752-4393
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 752-4393
Gr: 7-8 | 452 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: n/an/a
700 South Starr Avenue
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-2707
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-2707
Gr: PK | 177 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Burlington, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Burlington, IA include Sunnyside Elementary School, Black Hawk Elementary School and North Hill Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Burlington?
8 public schools are located in Burlington.
What percentage of students in Burlington go to public school?
79% of all K-12 students in Burlington are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Burlington?
Burlington public schools minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Burlington are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Burlington include: James Wilson Grimes School vs. Black Hawk Elementary School, Edward Stone Middle School vs. Aldo Leopold Intermediate School, Black Hawk Elementary School vs. James Wilson Grimes School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
