For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 2,112 students in Cherokee County, IA.
The top-ranked public schools in Cherokee County, IA are Washington High School, Mmcru Marcus Elementary School and Alta-aurelia Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cherokee County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 74% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Cherokee County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Cherokee County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Washington High School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 88%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
600 W Bluff St
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6755
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6755
Gr: 9-12 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
Mmcru Marcus Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
500 E Fenton St
Marcus, IA 51035
(712) 376-2615
Marcus, IA 51035
(712) 376-2615
Gr: PK-4 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #33.
Alta-aurelia Middle School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
300 Ash St
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Gr: 5-8 | 228 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #44.
Aurelia Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
300 Ash St
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Gr: PK-4 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #55.
Cherokee Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
204 E. Indian Street
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6760
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6760
Gr: PK-4 | 468 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #66.
Mmcru High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
400 Highland Drive
Marcus, IA 51035
(712) 376-4172
Marcus, IA 51035
(712) 376-4172
Gr: 9-12 | 213 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #77.
River Valley Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
100 South 5th St
Washta, IA 51061
(712) 447-6318
Washta, IA 51061
(712) 447-6318
Gr: PK-5 | 154 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #88.
Cherokee Middle School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
206 E. Indian Street
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6750
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6750
Gr: 5-8 | 329 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Cherokee County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Cherokee County, IA include Washington High School, Mmcru Marcus Elementary School and Alta-aurelia Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Cherokee County?
8 public schools are located in Cherokee County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cherokee County?
Cherokee County public schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
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.