For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 3,187 students in Altoona, IA.
The top-ranked public schools in Altoona, IA are Centennial Elementary School, Altoona Elementary School and Clay Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Altoona, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 80% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Altoona have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Altoona, IA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Centennial Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
910 7th Ave Se
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-2109
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-2109
Gr: PK-5 | 423 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #22.
Altoona Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
301 6th St Sw
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-3771
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-3771
Gr: PK-5 | 429 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #33.
Clay Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3200 First Avenue S.
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-4198
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-4198
Gr: PK-5 | 700 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #44.
Southeast Polk Middle School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
501 Falcon Drive
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-5533
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-5533
Gr: 6-7 | 1,112 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #55.
Willowbrook Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
300 17th Ave Sw
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-7512
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-7512
Gr: PK-5 | 523 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Altoona, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Altoona, IA include Centennial Elementary School, Altoona Elementary School and Clay Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Altoona?
5 public schools are located in Altoona.
What is the racial composition of students in Altoona?
Altoona public schools minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Altoona are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Altoona include: Centennial Elementary School vs. Altoona Elementary School, Willowbrook Elementary School vs. Altoona Elementary School, Willowbrook Elementary School vs. Clay Elementary School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
