Best Burlington Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 3,140 students in Burlington, IA (there are 3 private schools, serving 1,037 private students). 79% of all K-12 students in Burlington, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Burlington, IA are Sunnyside Elementary School, Black Hawk Elementary School and North Hill Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Burlington, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Burlington have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Burlington, IA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sunnyside Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2040 Sunnyside Ave.
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-5244
Gr: K-4 | 298 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
Black Hawk Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2804 S 14th St
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-5300
Gr: K-4 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #33.
North Hill Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
825 N. 9th St.
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-6363
Gr: K-4 | 268 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #44.
Aldo Leopold Intermediate School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
3075 Sunnyside
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 752-8390
Gr: 5-6 | 412 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #55.
James Wilson Grimes School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
800 South St.
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-0420
Gr: K-4 | 212 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #66.
Burlington Community High School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
421 Terrace Dr
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-2211
Gr: 9-12 | 1,016 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #77.
Edward Stone Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
3000 Mason Rd.
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 752-4393
Gr: 7-8 | 452 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: n/an/a
700 South Starr Avenue
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-2707
Gr: PK | 177 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 42%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Burlington, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Burlington, IA include Sunnyside Elementary School, Black Hawk Elementary School and North Hill Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Burlington?
8 public schools are located in Burlington.
What percentage of students in Burlington go to public school?
79% of all K-12 students in Burlington are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Burlington?
Burlington public schools minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Burlington are often viewed compared to one another?

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