For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 2,817 students in Buena Vista County, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Buena Vista County, IA are Sioux Central Middle School, Alta Elementary School and Sioux Central Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Buena Vista County, IA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 60% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Buena Vista County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public elementary school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Buena Vista County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sioux Central Middle School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4440 U.s. Hwy 71
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Gr: 6-8 | 155 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Alta Elementary School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1009 Main St
Alta, IA 51002
(712) 200-1400
Alta, IA 51002
(712) 200-1400
Gr: PK-4 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #33.
Sioux Central Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4440 U.s. Hwy 71
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Sioux Rapids, IA 50585
(712) 283-2571
Gr: PK-5 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #44.
Newell-fonda Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
205 Clark St
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Gr: PK-5 | 280 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #55.
Albert City-truesdale Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
300 Orchard
Albert City, IA 50510
(712) 843-5416
Albert City, IA 50510
(712) 843-5416
Gr: PK-6 | 100 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #66.
Newell-fonda Middle School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
205 Clark St
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Newell, IA 50568
(712) 272-3324
Gr: 6-8 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #77.
Storm Lake Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1811 Hyland Drive
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8080
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8080
Gr: 6-8 | 651 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #88.
Storm Lake Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1810 Hyland Drive
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8074
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-8074
Gr: 2-5 | 822 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: n/an/a
5950 90th Avenue
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 213-2110
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 213-2110
Gr: K-1 | 437 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Buena Vista County, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Buena Vista County, IA include Sioux Central Middle School, Alta Elementary School and Sioux Central Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Buena Vista County?
8 public elementary schools are located in Buena Vista County.
What is the racial composition of students in Buena Vista County?
Buena Vista County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Buena Vista County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Buena Vista County include: Storm Lake Elementary School vs. Storm Lake Middle School, Storm Lake Middle School vs. Storm Lake Elementary School, Sioux Central Elementary School vs. Newell-fonda Elementary School
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.