For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 3,886 students in Washington County, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 185 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Washington County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Washington County, IA are Highland Middle School, Highland High School and Mid-prairie Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Washington County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 66% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 64% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Washington County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Washington County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Highland Middle School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1715 Vine Avenue
Riverside, IA 52327
(319) 648-2891
Riverside, IA 52327
(319) 648-2891
Gr: 6-8 | 119 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Highland High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1715 Vine Avenue
Riverside, IA 52327
(319) 648-2891
Riverside, IA 52327
(319) 648-2891
Gr: 9-12 | 149 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #33.
Mid-prairie Middle School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
713 F Ave
Kalona, IA 52247
(319) 656-2241
Kalona, IA 52247
(319) 656-2241
Gr: 5-8 | 415 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Mid-prairie High School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1634 Highway 22 E
Wellman, IA 52356
(319) 646-6091
Wellman, IA 52356
(319) 646-6091
Gr: 9-12 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
Mid-prairie West Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
800 6th Ave
Wellman, IA 52356
(319) 646-2984
Wellman, IA 52356
(319) 646-2984
Gr: 3-4 | 330 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #66.
Mid-prairie East Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74% )
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
702 6th St
Kalona, IA 52247
(319) 656-2243
Kalona, IA 52247
(319) 656-2243
Gr: K-2 | 255 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #77.
Lincoln Upper Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
606 S 4th Ave
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-3691
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-3691
Gr: 3-5 | 344 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #88.
Mid-prairie Virtual Academy
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1636 Hwy 22
Wellman, IA 52356
(319) 646-6093
Wellman, IA 52356
(319) 646-6093
Gr: K-12 | 31 students Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #99.
Waco Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
200 S. Main Street
Crawfordsville, IA 52621
(319) 658-2931
Crawfordsville, IA 52621
(319) 658-2931
Gr: PK-6 | 317 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #1010.
Highland Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
220 Schnoebelen Street
Riverside, IA 52327
(319) 648-2821
Riverside, IA 52327
(319) 648-2821
Gr: PK-5 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #1111.
Washington High School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1111 S. Ave. B
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-2143
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-2143
Gr: 9-12 | 452 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #1212.
Washington Middle School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
313 S. 4th Ave.
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-5414
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-5414
Gr: 6-8 | 347 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: n/an/a
821 N 4th Ave
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-3244
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-3244
Gr: PK-2 | 457 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Washington County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Washington County, IA include Highland Middle School, Highland High School and Mid-prairie Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Washington County?
13 public schools are located in Washington County.
What percentage of students in Washington County go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Washington County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Washington County?
Washington County public schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Washington County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Washington County include: Mid-prairie High School vs. Highland High School, Highland High School vs. Mid-prairie High School, Mid-prairie High School vs. Washington High 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.
