Wapello County Schools & Education
Wapello County, Iowa
School Score
45/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
91.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
91.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 92.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,577
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,591
School Score
45/100
Higher = better
State avg 61/100
State School Rank
#92
of 99 counties (1 = best)
Explore Wapello County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Wapello County, Iowa
Diverse Schooling Across Three Districts
Wapello County supports 6,871 students across 17 public schools, including ten elementary schools and four high schools. Three distinct districts manage this infrastructure, providing a mix of town and rural campuses.
Strong Graduation Rates on Lean Budgets
The county achieves a 91.5% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87%. This success comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,577, which is lower than both the Iowa state average and the national benchmark.
Ottumwa Leads the Regional District Mix
The Ottumwa Community School District is the largest provider, serving 4,959 students across 11 schools. Cardinal and Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont districts also serve the county, though no charter schools are available in the area.
A Blend of Town and Country Schools
With ten schools in town settings and seven in rural areas, the average school size is 404 students. Ottumwa High School stands out as the largest with 1,317 students, offering a large-campus experience compared to smaller local elementary schools.
Invest in a Community with High Results
Families looking for efficient schools with high graduation rates will find Wapello County an attractive option. The variety of school sizes and locales makes it easy to find a home near a school that fits your child's needs.
School Overview
Total Schools
17
in Wapello County
Total Enrollment
6,871
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Wapello County
Ottumwa Comm School District
Cardinal Comm School District
Eddyville-Blakesburg- Fremont CSD
17 Public Schools in Wapello County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ottumwa High School | Ottumwa Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 1,317 |
| Evans Middle School | Ottumwa Comm School District | 6–8 | Middle | 1,047 |
| Pickwick Early Childhood Center | Ottumwa Comm School District | PK–KG | Primary | 569 |
| Cardinal Elementary | Cardinal Comm School District | PK–4 | Primary | 514 |
| Liberty Elementary School | Ottumwa Comm School District | 3–5 | Primary | 430 |
| Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Jr/Sr High | Eddyville-Blakesburg- Fremont CSD | 7–12 | High | 423 |
| Wilson Elementary School | Ottumwa Comm School District | KG–5 | Primary | 345 |
| Douma Elementary School | Ottumwa Comm School District | 1–2 | Primary | 330 |
| Eddyville Elementary | Eddyville-Blakesburg- Fremont CSD | PK–6 | Primary | 296 |
| Cardinal Junior High | Cardinal Comm School District | 5–8 | Middle | 284 |
| Cardinal High School | Cardinal Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 276 |
| Horace Mann Elementary School | Ottumwa Comm School District | KG–5 | Primary | 240 |
| Eisenhower Elementary School | Ottumwa Comm School District | KG–5 | Primary | 238 |
| James Elementary School | Ottumwa Comm School District | KG–5 | Primary | 229 |
| The Gateway Center | Ottumwa Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 187 |
| Blakesburg Elementary | Eddyville-Blakesburg- Fremont CSD | PK–6 | Primary | 119 |
| Ottumwa Virtual Learning | Ottumwa Comm School District | PK–12 | Other | 27 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,577
State avg $7,591
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Wapello County, Iowa — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Wapello County, Iowa?
Wapello County supports 6,871 students across 17 public schools, including ten elementary schools and four high schools. Three distinct districts manage this infrastructure, providing a mix of town and rural campuses.
How do schools in Wapello County perform academically?
The county achieves a 91.5% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87%. This success comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,577, which is lower than both the Iowa state average and the national benchmark.
What are the major school districts in Wapello County, Iowa?
The Ottumwa Community School District is the largest provider, serving 4,959 students across 11 schools. Cardinal and Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont districts also serve the county, though no charter schools are available in the area.
What is the school experience like in Wapello County?
With ten schools in town settings and seven in rural areas, the average school size is 404 students. Ottumwa High School stands out as the largest with 1,317 students, offering a large-campus experience compared to smaller local elementary schools.
How can I find homes near good schools in Wapello County, Iowa?
Families looking for efficient schools with high graduation rates will find Wapello County an attractive option. The variety of school sizes and locales makes it easy to find a home near a school 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.