Pekin Elementary School

Pekin Elementary School stands out as an exceptional educational institution serving 336 students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade in the small community of Packwood, Iowa. This regular public school has earned remarkable recognition, ranking 20th out of 1,288 elementary schools statewide and placing in the 98th percentile with an impressive 8.3 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating. The school's academic excellence is evident in its strong test performance, with 87% of students achieving proficiency or above in mathematics and 82% meeting or exceeding standards in English Language Arts and reading.

With 27 full-time equivalent teachers serving the student body, Pekin Elementary maintains an advantageous 12.4-to-1 student-teacher ratio, allowing for more personalized attention and instruction. Located at 1062 Birch Avenue, the school serves a tight-knit rural community where the median household income is $46,250 and median home values are $107,400. The area maintains a remarkably low poverty rate of just 1.5%, contributing to a stable learning environment.

Despite the community's modest size of 726 residents in the surrounding ZIP code, Pekin Elementary demonstrates that rural schools can achieve outstanding academic results. The school thrives in Jefferson County's remote rural setting, where strong community bonds and dedicated educational focus create an environment where students consistently excel.

Located in a rural area, Pekin Elementary School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.