For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,248 students in Lucas County, IA.
The top-ranked public schools in Lucas County, IA are Chariton Middle School, Chariton High School and Van Allen Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lucas County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 63% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 68% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Lucas County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Lucas County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Chariton Middle School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1300 N 16th
Chariton, IA 50049
(641) 774-5114
Chariton, IA 50049
(641) 774-5114
Gr: 6-8 | 284 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #22.
Chariton High School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
501 N Grand
Chariton, IA 50049
(641) 774-5066
Chariton, IA 50049
(641) 774-5066
Gr: 9-12 | 372 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Van Allen Elementary School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1129 Ashland
Chariton, IA 50049
(641) 774-5047
Chariton, IA 50049
(641) 774-5047
Gr: 3-5 | 292 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: n/an/a
1215 Linden Ave
Chariton, IA 50049
(641) 774-4712
Chariton, IA 50049
(641) 774-4712
Gr: K-2 | 301 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Lucas County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Lucas County, IA include Chariton Middle School, Chariton High School and Van Allen Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Lucas County?
4 public schools are located in Lucas County.
What is the racial composition of students in Lucas County?
Lucas County public schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
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.