For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 2,258 students in 51442, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 224 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in 51442, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in 51442, IA are Denison Middle School, Denison High School and Broadway Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 51442 have an average math proficiency score of 73% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 70% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in 51442, IA have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best 51442, IA Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Denison Middle School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1201 North 16th Street
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 263-9393
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 263-9393
Gr: 6-8 | 502 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #22.
Denison High School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
819 N 16th St
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 263-3101
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 263-3101
Gr: 9-12 | 777 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #33.
Broadway Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1515 Broadway
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 263-3103
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 263-3103
Gr: 4-5 | 288 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #44.
Denison Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
38 N 20th St
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 263-3104
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 263-3104
Gr: PK-3 | 691 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 51442, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in 51442, IA include Denison Middle School, Denison High School and Broadway Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 51442?
4 public schools are located in 51442.
What percentage of students in 51442 go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in 51442 are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in 51442?
51442 public schools minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
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.