Buchanan County Schools & Education
Buchanan County, Iowa
School Score
68/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
96.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
96.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 92.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,108
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,591
School Score
68/100
Higher = better
State avg 61/100
State School Rank
#31
of 99 counties (1 = best)
Explore Buchanan County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Buchanan County, Iowa
Rural Roots and Educational Range
Buchanan County operates 18 public schools across four districts, providing a comprehensive education for 3,346 students. The landscape is dominated by 12 elementary schools, ensuring young learners have accessible neighborhood options.
Leading the State in Graduation Rates
Buchanan County achieves a stellar 96.6% graduation rate, which is over 9% higher than the national average. Despite a lower per-pupil spend of $7,108 compared to the state average, the county maintains a competitive school score of 57.2.
Independence and Jesup Lead the Way
The Independence Community School District serves as the county's largest hub with 1,419 students, followed closely by Jesup's 1,069 students. The county focuses entirely on traditional public schooling with zero charter school presence.
Small Schools in a Rural Setting
Education here feels personal, with 16 of the 18 schools located in rural locales and an average school size of just 186 students. Independence Junior Senior High is the largest campus with 701 students, while East Elementary offers a smaller start for young children.
Secure a Future in Buchanan County
Families seeking high-performing, small-town schools will find Buchanan County's 96% graduation rate incredibly attractive. Look for residential opportunities near Independence or Jesup to join these high-achieving school communities.
School Overview
Total Schools
18
in Buchanan County
Total Enrollment
3,346
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Buchanan County
Independence Comm School District
Jesup Comm School District
Wapsie Valley Comm School District
East Buchanan Comm School District
18 Public Schools in Buchanan County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence Junior Senior High School | Independence Comm School District | 7–12 | High | 701 |
| Jesup Elementary School | Jesup Comm School District | PK–4 | Primary | 438 |
| West Elementary School | Independence Comm School District | 3–6 | Primary | 381 |
| East Buchanan Elementary School | East Buchanan Comm School District | PK–6 | Primary | 309 |
| East Elementary School | Independence Comm School District | KG–2 | Primary | 298 |
| Jesup High School | Jesup Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 278 |
| Jesup Middle School | Jesup Comm School District | 5–8 | Middle | 252 |
| Fairbank Elementary School | Wapsie Valley Comm School District | PK–6 | Primary | 195 |
| East Buchanan High School | East Buchanan Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 186 |
| East Buchanan Middle School | East Buchanan Comm School District | 7–8 | Middle | 88 |
| Triumph Elementary School | Jesup Comm School District | KG–8 | Primary | 41 |
| Early Childhood Center | Independence Comm School District | PK | Other | 39 |
| Perry #1 Elementary School | Jesup Comm School District | KG–8 | Primary | 37 |
| Rural Elementary School #2 | Wapsie Valley Comm School District | KG–8 | Primary | 26 |
| Rural Elementary School #1 | Wapsie Valley Comm School District | KG–8 | Primary | 24 |
| Prairie Grove Elementary School | Jesup Comm School District | KG–8 | Primary | 23 |
| Rural Elementary School #3 | Wapsie Valley Comm School District | KG–8 | Primary | 15 |
| Rural Elementary School #4 | Wapsie Valley Comm School District | KG–8 | Primary | 15 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,108
State avg $7,591
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Buchanan County, Iowa — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Buchanan County, Iowa?
Buchanan County operates 18 public schools across four districts, providing a comprehensive education for 3,346 students. The landscape is dominated by 12 elementary schools, ensuring young learners have accessible neighborhood options.
How do schools in Buchanan County perform academically?
Buchanan County achieves a stellar 96.6% graduation rate, which is over 9% higher than the national average. Despite a lower per-pupil spend of $7,108 compared to the state average, the county maintains a competitive school score of 57.2.
What are the major school districts in Buchanan County, Iowa?
The Independence Community School District serves as the county's largest hub with 1,419 students, followed closely by Jesup's 1,069 students. The county focuses entirely on traditional public schooling with zero charter school presence.
What is the school experience like in Buchanan County?
Education here feels personal, with 16 of the 18 schools located in rural locales and an average school size of just 186 students. Independence Junior Senior High is the largest campus with 701 students, while East Elementary offers a smaller start for young children.
How can I find homes near good schools in Buchanan County, Iowa?
Families seeking high-performing, small-town schools will find Buchanan County's 96% graduation rate incredibly attractive. Look for residential opportunities near Independence or Jesup to join these high-achieving school communities.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.