Union County Schools & Education
Union County, Iowa
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
80/100
Higher = better
Rating
High Performing
Graduation Rate
96.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
96.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 92.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,122
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,591
School Score
80/100
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
#2
of 99 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Union County
School Verdict
Union County is a high-performing district with a school score of 80/100 and a graduation rate of 96.5%, reflecting strong academic outcomes.
Funding Context
Union County spends $8,122 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Union County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 31% above the Iowa average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 4.2 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 7% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Union County, Iowa
High Investment in Local Education
Union County operates six public schools across two districts, serving a total of 1,868 students. The system includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This structure provides a complete K-12 experience within a small-town framework.
Top-Tier Graduation and School Scores
Union County boasts an impressive 96.5% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region. This is supported by a robust per-pupil expenditure of $8,122, which is significantly higher than the state average. Consequently, the county earns a high school score of 59.4, well above state and national medians.
Creston Community is the Education Anchor
The Creston Community School District is the county's largest, serving 1,379 students across four schools. The East Union Community School District manages the remaining 489 students. Traditional districts are the only option here, as there are no charter schools currently in operation.
A Blend of Rural and Town Locales
The county features four rural schools and two schools located in town settings. Average school size is 311 students, with Creston High School being the largest at 532 pupils. This creates a balanced environment where students benefit from both town resources and rural community ties.
Quality Education Drives Home Value
Union County's high graduation rates and strong per-pupil investment make it a standout for families. Real estate near Creston schools is particularly attractive for those seeking high-performing districts. Consider the long-term benefits of living in a county that prioritizes school funding and student outcomes.
School Overview
Total Schools
6
in Union County
Total Enrollment
1,868
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Union County
Creston Comm School District
East Union Comm School District
6 Public Schools in Union County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creston High School | Creston Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 532 |
| Creston Elementary School | Creston Comm School District | 1–5 | Primary | 410 |
| Creston Middle School | Creston Comm School District | 6–8 | Middle | 291 |
| East Union Middle-High School | East Union Comm School District | 6–12 | High | 259 |
| East Union Elementary | East Union Comm School District | PK–5 | Primary | 230 |
| Creston Early Childhood Center | Creston Comm School District | PK–KG | Primary | 146 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,122
State avg $7,591
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Union County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Union County?
How much does Union County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Union County, Iowa — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Union County, Iowa?
Union County operates six public schools across two districts, serving a total of 1,868 students. The system includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This structure provides a complete K-12 experience within a small-town framework.
How do schools in Union County perform academically?
Union County boasts an impressive 96.5% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region. This is supported by a robust per-pupil expenditure of $8,122, which is significantly higher than the state average. Consequently, the county earns a high school score of 59.4, well above state and national medians.
What are the major school districts in Union County, Iowa?
The Creston Community School District is the county's largest, serving 1,379 students across four schools. The East Union Community School District manages the remaining 489 students. Traditional districts are the only option here, as there are no charter schools currently in operation.
What is the school experience like in Union County?
The county features four rural schools and two schools located in town settings. Average school size is 311 students, with Creston High School being the largest at 532 pupils. This creates a balanced environment where students benefit from both town resources and rural community ties.
How can I find homes near good schools in Union County, Iowa?
Union County's high graduation rates and strong per-pupil investment make it a standout for families. Real estate near Creston schools is particularly attractive for those seeking high-performing districts. Consider the long-term benefits of living in a county that prioritizes school funding and student outcomes.
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.