For the 2025-26 school year, there are 2 public high schools serving 714 students in Howard County, IA.
The top ranked public high schools in Howard County, IA are Crestwood High School and Riceville High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Howard County, IA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 68% (versus the Iowa public high school average of 65%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 71% statewide average). High schools in Howard County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public high schools.
Howard County, IA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 93%, which is more than the Iowa average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Crestwood High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Iowa or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public high school average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø High Schools in Howard County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Crestwood High School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1000 Schroder Dr
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2764
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2764
Gr: 7-12 | 509 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Riceville High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
912 Woodland Ave
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Gr: 6-12 | 205 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Howard County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1135 Canterbury St.
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-5424
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-5424
Gr: PK | 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
1000 4th Ave East
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2300
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2300
Gr: 6-8 | 204 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Crestwood Alternative School (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
205 3rd Ave West
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2310
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2310
Gr: 9-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
120 W. Jackson, 120 W. Jackson
Lime Springs, IA 52155
(563) 566-2221
Lime Springs, IA 52155
(563) 566-2221
Gr: PK | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Howard County, IA?
The top ranked public high schools in Howard County, IA include Crestwood High School and Riceville High School.
How many public high schools are located in Howard County?
2 public high schools are located in Howard County.
What is the racial composition of students in Howard County?
Howard County public high schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public high schools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.