Clayton County Schools & Education
Clayton County, Iowa
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
44/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
88.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
88.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 92.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,275
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,591
School Score
44/100
Higher = better
State avg 61/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#93
of 99 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Clayton County
School Verdict
Clayton County performs at an average level with a school score of 44/100 and a solid graduation rate of 88.5%.
Funding Context
At $7,275 per pupil, Clayton County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Clayton County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 28% below the Iowa average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 3.8 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 4% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Clayton County, Iowa
The Broad Reach of Clayton Schools
Clayton County manages 11 public schools across three districts, serving a total of 3,059 students. The school level mix includes four elementary schools, two middle schools, four high schools, and one specialized academy. This diverse portfolio provides specialized pathways for students of all ages.
Academic Performance and Investment
The county maintains an 88.5% graduation rate, which is higher than the national average of 87.0%. Education is funded at $7,275 per pupil, reflecting a leaner budget compared to the state average of $7,591. The composite school score of 53.3 shows that the county is working to improve outcomes against state benchmarks.
Unique District Options
The Clayton Ridge Community School District is the largest, enrolling 1,485 students and hosting the unique Iowa Virtual Academy. MFL MarMac and Central Community School Districts also provide essential services to nearly 1,400 combined students. Traditional districts remain the norm here, as no charter schools are currently in operation.
A Predominantly Rural Learning Landscape
Nine of the county’s 11 schools are located in rural areas, offering students a quiet and focused atmosphere. The Iowa Virtual Academy is the largest institution with 862 students, while traditional schools like Central Elementary are smaller at 263 students. This blend of virtual and rural schooling offers a unique flexibility not found in many other counties.
Home Ownership and Education
Clayton County offers a variety of educational settings, from traditional rural schools to innovative virtual options. For families moving to the area, the graduation rates above the national average provide peace of mind. Explore homes near these unique schools to find a learning environment that fits your child’s needs.
School Overview
Total Schools
11
in Clayton County
Total Enrollment
3,059
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Clayton County
Clayton Ridge Comm School District
MFL MarMac Comm School District
Central Comm School District
11 Public Schools in Clayton County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa Virtual Academy | Clayton Ridge Comm School District | KG–12 | Other | 862 |
| MFL MarMac Elementary School | MFL MarMac Comm School District | PK–3 | Primary | 339 |
| Clayton Ridge Elementary School | Clayton Ridge Comm School District | PK–5 | Primary | 306 |
| Central Elementary | Central Comm School District | PK–6 | Primary | 263 |
| MFL MarMac HS | MFL MarMac Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 262 |
| Central Middle School/High School | Central Comm School District | 7–12 | High | 210 |
| Edgewood-Colesburg High School | Edgewood-Colesburg Comm School District | 7–12 | High | 207 |
| Clayton Ridge High School | Clayton Ridge Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 192 |
| MFL MarMac Middle School | MFL MarMac Comm School District | 6–8 | Middle | 187 |
| Clayton Ridge Middle School | Clayton Ridge Comm School District | 6–8 | Middle | 125 |
| McGregor Intermediate School | MFL MarMac Comm School District | 4–5 | Primary | 106 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,275
State avg $7,591
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Clayton County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Clayton County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Clayton County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Clayton County?
How much does Clayton County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Clayton County, Iowa — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Clayton County, Iowa?
Clayton County manages 11 public schools across three districts, serving a total of 3,059 students. The school level mix includes four elementary schools, two middle schools, four high schools, and one specialized academy. This diverse portfolio provides specialized pathways for students of all ages.
How do schools in Clayton County perform academically?
The county maintains an 88.5% graduation rate, which is higher than the national average of 87.0%. Education is funded at $7,275 per pupil, reflecting a leaner budget compared to the state average of $7,591. The composite school score of 53.3 shows that the county is working to improve outcomes against state benchmarks.
What are the major school districts in Clayton County, Iowa?
The Clayton Ridge Community School District is the largest, enrolling 1,485 students and hosting the unique Iowa Virtual Academy. MFL MarMac and Central Community School Districts also provide essential services to nearly 1,400 combined students. Traditional districts remain the norm here, as no charter schools are currently in operation.
What is the school experience like in Clayton County?
Nine of the county’s 11 schools are located in rural areas, offering students a quiet and focused atmosphere. The Iowa Virtual Academy is the largest institution with 862 students, while traditional schools like Central Elementary are smaller at 263 students. This blend of virtual and rural schooling offers a unique flexibility not found in many other counties.
How can I find homes near good schools in Clayton County, Iowa?
Clayton County offers a variety of educational settings, from traditional rural schools to innovative virtual options. For families moving to the area, the graduation rates above the national average provide peace of mind. Explore homes near these unique schools to find a learning environment that fits your child’s needs.
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.