For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,823 students in Union County, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 224 private students). 90% of all K-12 students in Union County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Union County, IA are East Union Elementary School, Creston High School and East Union Middle-high School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Union County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 70% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Union County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Union County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
East Union Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1916 High School Dr.
Afton, IA 50830
(641) 347-5411
Afton, IA 50830
(641) 347-5411
Gr: PK-5 | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Creston High School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
601 W Townline
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-2116
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-2116
Gr: 9-12 | 486 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
East Union Middle-high School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1916 High School Dr
Afton, IA 50830
(641) 347-8421
Afton, IA 50830
(641) 347-8421
Gr: 6-12 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
Creston Middle School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
805 Academic Ave.
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-2129
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-2129
Gr: 6-8 | 259 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #55.
Creston Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
805 Academic Ave
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-1155
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-1155
Gr: 1-5 | 416 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: n/an/a
901 N Elm St
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-2724
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-2724
Gr: PK-K | 142 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Union County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Union County, IA include East Union Elementary School, Creston High School and East Union Middle-high School.
How many public schools are located in Union County?
6 public schools are located in Union County.
What percentage of students in Union County go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in Union County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Union County?
Union County public schools minority enrollment is 11% 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.
