Madison County Schools & Education
Madison County, Iowa
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
62/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
95.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
95.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 92.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,844
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,591
School Score
62/100
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
#55
of 99 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Madison County
School Verdict
Madison County performs at an average level with a school score of 62/100 and a solid graduation rate of 95.4%.
Funding Context
At $6,844 per pupil, Madison County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Madison County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 2% above the Iowa average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 3.1 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 10% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Madison County, Iowa
Small Districts, Big Results
Madison County supports 3,146 students through 10 public schools spread across 3 districts. The infrastructure is well-balanced with 3 elementary, 4 middle, and 3 high schools. This layout provides a steady pipeline for students as they transition through their grade levels.
Exceptional Graduation Performance
Madison County delivers an elite graduation rate of 95.4%, significantly higher than the state's 92.3% and the national 87.0%. Despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,844, the county achieves a school score of 56.0. These results demonstrate remarkable educational efficiency and student success.
Winterset Leads the Local Schools
The Winterset Community School District is the county's largest, enrolling 1,669 students across 4 schools. Interstate 35 and Earlham districts also serve the region, with 842 and 635 students respectively. Traditional public schools remain the sole option here, as there are no charter schools in the county.
The Heart of the Town and Country
Nine of the county's 10 schools are located in rural settings, with the remaining school centered in a town locale. Winterset Senior High is the largest campus, housing 565 students, while the average across the county is 315. This environment offers a classic small-town feel that many families find ideal.
Find Your Home in Madison County
If you value high graduation rates and a rural lifestyle, Madison County should be at the top of your list. Homes in this area provide access to some of the most successful schools in Iowa. Secure your family's future by exploring properties in these high-performing districts today.
School Overview
Total Schools
10
in Madison County
Total Enrollment
3,146
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 Madison County
Winterset Comm School District
Interstate 35 Comm School District
Earlham Comm School District
10 Public Schools in Madison County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winterset Senior High School | Winterset Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 565 |
| Winterset Elementary School | Winterset Comm School District | PK–3 | Primary | 499 |
| Winterset Middle School | Winterset Comm School District | 4–6 | Middle | 358 |
| Interstate 35 Elementary School | Interstate 35 Comm School District | PK–4 | Primary | 334 |
| Earlham Elementary School | Earlham Comm School District | PK–5 | Primary | 318 |
| Interstate 35 High School | Interstate 35 Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 274 |
| Winterset Junior High School | Winterset Comm School District | 7–8 | Middle | 247 |
| Interstate 35 Middle School | Interstate 35 Comm School District | 5–8 | Middle | 234 |
| Earlham Senior High School | Earlham Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 185 |
| Earlham Middle School | Earlham Comm School District | 6–8 | Middle | 132 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,844
State avg $7,591
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Madison County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Madison County?
How much does Madison County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Madison County, Iowa — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Madison County, Iowa?
Madison County supports 3,146 students through 10 public schools spread across 3 districts. The infrastructure is well-balanced with 3 elementary, 4 middle, and 3 high schools. This layout provides a steady pipeline for students as they transition through their grade levels.
How do schools in Madison County perform academically?
Madison County delivers an elite graduation rate of 95.4%, significantly higher than the state's 92.3% and the national 87.0%. Despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,844, the county achieves a school score of 56.0. These results demonstrate remarkable educational efficiency and student success.
What are the major school districts in Madison County, Iowa?
The Winterset Community School District is the county's largest, enrolling 1,669 students across 4 schools. Interstate 35 and Earlham districts also serve the region, with 842 and 635 students respectively. Traditional public schools remain the sole option here, as there are no charter schools in the county.
What is the school experience like in Madison County?
Nine of the county's 10 schools are located in rural settings, with the remaining school centered in a town locale. Winterset Senior High is the largest campus, housing 565 students, while the average across the county is 315. This environment offers a classic small-town feel that many families find ideal.
How can I find homes near good schools in Madison County, Iowa?
If you value high graduation rates and a rural lifestyle, Madison County should be at the top of your list. Homes in this area provide access to some of the most successful schools in Iowa. Secure your family's future by exploring properties in these high-performing districts today.
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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.