For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 887 students in Howard County, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Howard County, IA are Riceville Elementary School, Crestwood Elementary School and Riceville High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Howard County, IA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 70% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 69% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Howard County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% 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 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: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
Crestwood Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1000 4th Ave East
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2300
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2300
Gr: K-4 | 349 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #33.
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: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
1000 4th Ave E
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2762
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2762
Gr: 5-8 | 283 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Howard County, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Howard County, IA include Riceville Elementary School, Crestwood Elementary School and Riceville High School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Howard County?
3 public elementary schools are located in Howard County.
What is the racial composition of students in Howard County?
Howard County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary 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.
