For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 4,701 students in Ames, IA (there are , serving 238 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Ames, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public 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 schools have an average math proficiency score of 72% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Ames have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public 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 | 518 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
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 | 296 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
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 | 439 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #44.
Ames High School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1801 Ridgewood Drive
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 817-0600
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 817-0600
Gr: 9-12 | 1,427 student Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #55.
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 | 365 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #66.
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 | 1,032 student Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #77.
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 | 375 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: n/an/a
3012 Duff Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 268-2470
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 268-2470
Gr: PK-K | 249 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Ames, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
415 Stanton Ave
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3755
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3755
Gr: K | 38 students Minority enrollment: 26%
601 28th St
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3780
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3780
Gr: K-6 | 225 students Minority enrollment: 32%
921 9th St
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3785
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3785
Gr: K-6 | 273 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Xcel High School (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
1921 Ames High Dr
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 817-0635
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 817-0635
Gr: 9-12 | 16 students Minority enrollment: 19%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Ames, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Ames, IA include Fellows Elementary School, Mitchell Elementary School and Edwards Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Ames?
8 public schools are located in Ames.
What percentage of students in Ames go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Ames are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Ames?
Ames public schools minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Ames are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Ames include: Sawyer Elementary School vs. Edwards Elementary School, Edwards Elementary School vs. Sawyer Elementary School, Mitchell Elementary School vs. Meeker Elementary School
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