Best Schools in Denison, Iowa
6 schools · 4 Elementary · 1 Middle · 1 High
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 6.8/10
- Median household income
- $64,399
- Median home value
- $146,200
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 18%
- Avg commute
- 15 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 76%
33% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Denison compares
Iowa rank
#36 of 175
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
+0.5
above Iowa avg (6.3)
Median household income
$64k
84% of Iowa median
Schools in this city
6
About Schools in Denison, Iowa
Denison, Iowa is home to 6 schools, including 4 public schools and 2 private schools. The city's schools span 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school.
With an average rating of 6.8 out of 10, schools in Denison show moderate performance on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Denison is Denison Elementary School with a composite score of 8.1/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Denison is served by 1 school district: Denison Comm School District. These districts collectively serve 2,259 students.
Denison's community shows 18% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $64,399. The poverty rate in the area is 19.9%.
Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.
Elementary Schools
4 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 698 students · Pre-K–3rd | 8.1 | ||
| 2 | 278 students · 4th–5th | 6.8 | ||
| Private Schools 2 schools Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Private
80 students · Pre-K–8th | Not Rated | ||
| 2 | ST ROSE OF LIMA SCHOOL
Private
96 students · Pre-K–5th | Not Rated | ||
Middle Schools
1 school| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 490 students · 6th–8th | 7.9 |
High Schools
1 school| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 773 students · 9th–12th | 6.7 |
Schools in Denison
Denison, Iowa · 6 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 1 ZIP code
Median Income
$64,399
Median Home Value
$146,200
Median Rent
$763/mo
Population
9,586
College Educated
18%
Homeownership
76%
Avg Commute
15 min
Poverty Rate
19.9%
Community Profile
Denison has a median household income of $64,399. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $146,200, with a median rent of $763/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.9%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 15 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- Iowa
- Total Schools
- 6
- Elementary
- 4
- Middle
- 1
- High
- 1
- Districts
- 1
- Avg Rating
- 6.8/10
Resources
School District
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in Iowa
Top metros statewide by school count.
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Denison, Iowa
How many schools are in Denison, Iowa?
Denison has 6 schools, including 4 public and 2 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Denison, Iowa?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Denison is 6.8 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Denison, Iowa?
The top-ranked school in Denison on MySchoolScout is Denison Elementary School with a composite score of 8.1/10.
What is the best elementary school in Denison, Iowa?
The top-ranked elementary school in Denison on MySchoolScout is Denison Elementary School with a composite score of 8.1/10.
What is the best middle school in Denison, Iowa?
The top-ranked middle school in Denison on MySchoolScout is Denison Middle School with a composite score of 7.9/10.
What is the best high school in Denison, Iowa?
The top-ranked high school in Denison on MySchoolScout is Denison High School with a composite score of 6.7/10.
How many school districts serve Denison, Iowa?
Denison is served by 1 school district: Denison Comm School District.
What is the education level in Denison, Iowa?
According to Census data, 18% of adults in Denison have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Denison, Iowa?
The median household income in Denison is approximately $64,399 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Denison, Iowa?
Yes, Denison has 2 private schools alongside 4 public schools. The top-rated private school is Zion Lutheran School with a score of 6.5/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Denison, Iowa?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Denison is 14.5:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Denison, Iowa?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, Iowa Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.