For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 1,289 students in Clay County, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Clay County, IA are Spencer Middle School, Lincoln Elementary School and Fairview Park Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay County, IA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 74% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 72% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Clay County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Spencer Middle School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1400 10th Avenue East
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3345
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3345
Gr: 6-8 | 514 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
615 4th Ave. Sw
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3752
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3752
Gr: 3-5 | 442 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #33.
Fairview Park Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 45-49% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1508 5th Ave. East
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-4842
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-4842
Gr: 1-2 | 249 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
Clay Central-everly Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
401 Church St
Royal, IA 51357
(712) 933-2241
Royal, IA 51357
(712) 933-2241
Gr: PK-6 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Clay County, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Clay County, IA include Spencer Middle School, Lincoln Elementary School and Fairview Park Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Clay County?
4 public elementary schools are located in Clay County.
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Clay County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Clay County include: Fairview Park Elementary School vs. Lincoln Elementary School, Clay Central-everly Elementary School vs. Lincoln Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School vs. Clay Central-everly Elementary 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.
