For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 2,239 students in Denison, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 224 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Denison, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Denison, IA are Denison Middle School, Denison High School and Broadway Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Denison, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 73% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 70% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Denison have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Denison, IA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Denison Middle School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1201 North 16th Street
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 263-9393
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 263-9393
Gr: 6-8 | 490 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #22.
Denison High School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
819 N 16th St
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 263-3101
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 263-3101
Gr: 9-12 | 773 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #33.
Broadway Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1515 Broadway
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 263-3103
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 263-3103
Gr: 4-5 | 278 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #44.
Denison Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
38 N 20th St
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 263-3104
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 263-3104
Gr: PK-3 | 698 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Denison, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Denison Alternative High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
Highway 30 E
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 265-2349
Denison, IA 51442
(712) 265-2349
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Denison, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Denison, IA include Denison Middle School, Denison High School and Broadway Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Denison?
4 public schools are located in Denison.
What percentage of students in Denison go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Denison are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Denison?
Denison public schools minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Denison are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Denison include: Broadway Elementary School vs. Denison Elementary School, Denison Elementary School vs. Broadway Elementary School
Recent Articles
Preventing Suicide in Schools: 2026 Guide for Educators
Learn updated 2026 strategies for preventing suicide in schools, including warning signs, intervention plans, and school-wide mental health support.
The Impact of Social Media on Students (2026 Update)
Explore the impact of social media on students in 2026, including academic, mental health, and safety insights for parents and educators.
Building a Summer Reading Plan That Keeps Kids Engaged
Learn how to build a summer reading plan that keeps kids engaged, motivated, and improving literacy skills throughout the break.