For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 3,004 students in Ames, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Ames, IA are Fellows Elementary School, Mitchell Elementary School and Edwards Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ames, IA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 72% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Ames have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public elementary school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Ames, IA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Fellows Elementary School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1235 20th St.
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3765
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3765
Gr: K-5 | 489 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #22.
Mitchell Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3521 Jewel Dr
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3775
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3775
Gr: K-5 | 314 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #33.
Edwards Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
820 Miller Ave
Ames, IA 50014
(515) 239-3760
Ames, IA 50014
(515) 239-3760
Gr: K-5 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #44.
Meeker Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
300 20th Street
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3770
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3770
Gr: K-5 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #55.
Ames Middle School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3915 Mortensen Road
Ames, IA 50014
(515) 268-2400
Ames, IA 50014
(515) 268-2400
Gr: 6-8 | 1,033 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #66.
Sawyer Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4316 Ontario St
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3790
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3790
Gr: K-5 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Ames, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Ames, IA include Fellows Elementary School, Mitchell Elementary School and Edwards Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Ames?
6 public elementary schools are located in Ames.
What is the racial composition of students in Ames?
Ames public elementary schools minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Ames are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Ames include: Edwards Elementary School vs. Sawyer Elementary School, Sawyer Elementary School vs. Edwards Elementary School, Mitchell Elementary School vs. Meeker Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.