Clay County Schools & Education
Clay County, Iowa
School Score
74/100
Higher = better
Rating
High Performing
Graduation Rate
97.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
97.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 92.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,438
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,591
School Score
74/100
Higher = better
State avg 61/100
State School Rank
#9
of 99 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Clay County, Iowa
Education Infrastructure in Clay
Clay County supports six public schools within two districts, serving a total of 2,302 students. The network includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This concentrated system focuses resources on a central educational hub for the region.
Top-Tier Graduation Rates
Clay County achieves a remarkable 97.0% graduation rate, one of the highest in the state and far above the national average of 87.0%. Despite spending $7,438 per pupil—slightly less than the state average—the county maintains a high school score of 58.2. These figures demonstrate exceptional efficiency and academic success.
Spencer Community Schools Lead
The Spencer Community School District is the primary educator in the county, managing five schools and 2,230 students. In contrast, the Clay Central-Everly district operates as a very small outlier with just 72 students. The county’s public system is entirely traditional, with no charter schools currently operating.
A Lively Town School Experience
With four of its six schools located in town locales, Clay County offers a centralized, suburban-style education feel. Spencer High School is the largest campus with 712 students, while the county average school size is 384 students. This density supports a wider variety of extracurriculars and advanced placement opportunities.
Secure a Future in Clay County
Families prioritizing academic excellence will find some of the state's best graduation rates in Clay County. The strength of the Spencer district makes the area highly desirable for those seeking quality public education. Look for homes in the Spencer area to take advantage of these top-rated school facilities.
School Overview
Total Schools
6
in Clay County
Total Enrollment
2,302
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Clay County
Spencer Comm School District
Clay Central-Everly Comm School District
6 Public Schools in Clay County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spencer High School | Spencer Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 712 |
| Spencer Middle School | Spencer Comm School District | 6–8 | Middle | 514 |
| Lincoln Elementary School | Spencer Comm School District | 3–5 | Primary | 467 |
| Fairview Park Elementary | Spencer Comm School District | 1–2 | Primary | 308 |
| Johnson Elementary | Spencer Comm School District | PK–KG | Primary | 229 |
| Clay Central-Everly Elementary | Clay Central-Everly Comm School District | PK–6 | Primary | 72 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,438
State avg $7,591
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Clay County, Iowa — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Clay County, Iowa?
Clay County supports six public schools within two districts, serving a total of 2,302 students. The network includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This concentrated system focuses resources on a central educational hub for the region.
How do schools in Clay County perform academically?
Clay County achieves a remarkable 97.0% graduation rate, one of the highest in the state and far above the national average of 87.0%. Despite spending $7,438 per pupil—slightly less than the state average—the county maintains a high school score of 58.2. These figures demonstrate exceptional efficiency and academic success.
What are the major school districts in Clay County, Iowa?
The Spencer Community School District is the primary educator in the county, managing five schools and 2,230 students. In contrast, the Clay Central-Everly district operates as a very small outlier with just 72 students. The county’s public system is entirely traditional, with no charter schools currently operating.
What is the school experience like in Clay County?
With four of its six schools located in town locales, Clay County offers a centralized, suburban-style education feel. Spencer High School is the largest campus with 712 students, while the county average school size is 384 students. This density supports a wider variety of extracurriculars and advanced placement opportunities.
How can I find homes near good schools in Clay County, Iowa?
Families prioritizing academic excellence will find some of the state's best graduation rates in Clay County. The strength of the Spencer district makes the area highly desirable for those seeking quality public education. Look for homes in the Spencer area to take advantage of these top-rated school facilities.
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.