For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,396 students in Howard County, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 260 private students). 84% of all K-12 students in Howard County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Howard County, IA are Riceville Elementary School, Crestwood High School and Crestwood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Howard County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 69% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 72% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Howard County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Howard County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Riceville Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
912 Woodland Ave
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Gr: PK-5 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
Crestwood High School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1000 Schroder Dr
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2764
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2764
Gr: 7-12 | 509 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Crestwood Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1000 4th Ave East
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2001
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2001
Gr: K-6 | 456 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Riceville High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
912 Woodland Ave
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Gr: 6-12 | 205 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Howard County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1135 Canterbury St.
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-5424
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-5424
Gr: PK | 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
1000 4th Ave East
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2300
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2300
Gr: 6-8 | 204 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Crestwood Alternative School (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
205 3rd Ave West
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2310
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2310
Gr: 9-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
120 W. Jackson, 120 W. Jackson
Lime Springs, IA 52155
(563) 566-2221
Lime Springs, IA 52155
(563) 566-2221
Gr: PK | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Howard County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Howard County, IA include Riceville Elementary School, Crestwood High School and Crestwood Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Howard County?
4 public schools are located in Howard County.
What percentage of students in Howard County go to public school?
84% of all K-12 students in Howard County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Howard County?
Howard County public schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).