For the 2026 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 Public High Schools in Howard County (2026)
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 Public 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
Transitioning to High School: A Family Guide
Learn how to prepare for high school with practical tips for families before freshman year, from academics to social readiness.
School Vouchers 2026: Updated Pros and Cons
Explore school vouchers in 2026, including updated pros, cons, policy changes, and what families should know before choosing.
Transitioning to Middle School: Summer Planning Guide
A practical 2026 summer planning guide to help parents support a smooth middle school transition for their child.