For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 2,100 students in Winneshiek County, IA (there are 4 private schools, serving 475 private students). 81% of all K-12 students in Winneshiek County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Winneshiek County, IA are Decorah High School, Decorah Middle School and Carrie Lee Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Winneshiek County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 84% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 83% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Winneshiek County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 1% 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 Winneshiek County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Decorah High School
(Math: 87% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
100 Claiborne Drive
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3643
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3643
Gr: 9-12 | 555 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Decorah Middle School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
405 Winnebago St.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-8427
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-8427
Gr: 5-8 | 432 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Carrie Lee Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
210 Vernon Street
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3771
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3771
Gr: 3-4 | 215 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
South Winneshiek High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
203 W South St
Calmar, IA 52132
(563) 562-3226
Calmar, IA 52132
(563) 562-3226
Gr: 9-12 | 205 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
South Winneshiek Elementary School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
208 E Brooks St
Ossian, IA 52161
(563) 532-9365
Ossian, IA 52161
(563) 532-9365
Gr: PK-4 | 198 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #66.
South Winneshiek Middle School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
208 E Brooks St
Ossian, IA 52161
(563) 532-9365
Ossian, IA 52161
(563) 532-9365
Gr: 5-8 | 126 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: n/an/a
101 Claiborne Drive
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3125
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3125
Gr: K-2 | 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: n/an/a
301 Center Street
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-4451
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-4451
Gr: PK | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Winneshiek County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Winneshiek County, IA include Decorah High School, Decorah Middle School and Carrie Lee Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Winneshiek County?
8 public schools are located in Winneshiek County.
What percentage of students in Winneshiek County go to public school?
81% of all K-12 students in Winneshiek County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Winneshiek County?
Winneshiek 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
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.