For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 1,289 students in Clay County, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Clay County, IA are Spencer Middle School, Lincoln Elementary School and Fairview Park Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay County, IA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 74% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 72% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Clay County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Spencer Middle School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1400 10th Avenue East
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3345
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3345
Gr: 6-8 | 514 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
615 4th Ave. Sw
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3752
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-3752
Gr: 3-5 | 442 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #33.
Fairview Park Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 45-49% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1508 5th Ave. East
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-4842
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-4842
Gr: 1-2 | 249 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
Clay Central-everly Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
401 Church St
Royal, IA 51357
(712) 933-2241
Royal, IA 51357
(712) 933-2241
Gr: PK-6 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Clay County, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Clay County, IA include Spencer Middle School, Lincoln Elementary School and Fairview Park Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Clay County?
4 public elementary schools are located in Clay County.
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Clay County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Clay County include: Fairview Park Elementary School vs. Lincoln Elementary School, Clay Central-everly Elementary School vs. Lincoln Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School vs. Clay Central-everly 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.