For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 2,176 students in Des Moines County, IA.
The top-ranked public high schools in Des Moines County, IA are Mediapolis High School, Danville Junior-senior High School and West Burlington Arnold Jr./sr. High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Des Moines County, IA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the Iowa public high school average of 65%), and reading proficiency score of 72% (versus the 71% statewide average). High schools in Des Moines County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public high schools.
Des Moines County, IA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 74%, which is less than the Iowa average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is West Burlington Arnold Jr./sr. High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Iowa or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Iowa public high school average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Des Moines County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mediapolis High School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
725 N. Northfield
Mediapolis, IA 52637
(319) 394-3101
Mediapolis, IA 52637
(319) 394-3101
Gr: 9-12 | 312 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Danville Junior-senior High School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
419 South Main Street
Danville, IA 52623
(319) 392-4222
Danville, IA 52623
(319) 392-4222
Gr: 7-12 | 289 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
West Burlington Arnold Jr./sr. High School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
408 W Van Weiss Blvd
West Burlington, IA 52655
(319) 752-8747
West Burlington, IA 52655
(319) 752-8747
Gr: 7-12 | 396 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #44.
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Des Moines County, IA?
The top-ranked public high schools in Des Moines County, IA include Mediapolis High School, Danville Junior-senior High School and West Burlington Arnold Jr./sr. High School.
How many public high schools are located in Des Moines County?
4 public high schools are located in Des Moines County.
What is the racial composition of students in Des Moines County?
Des Moines County public high schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Iowa public high schools average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Des Moines County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Des Moines County include: Mediapolis High School vs. West Burlington Arnold Jr./sr. High School, West Burlington Arnold Jr./sr. High School vs. Burlington Community High School, Danville Junior-senior High School vs. West Burlington Arnold Jr./sr. High 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.