For the 2025-26 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,371 students in O'brien County, IA (there are , serving 361 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in O'brien County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in O'brien County, IA are Sheldon Middle School, East Elementary School and South O'brien Elementary Sch Primghar Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
O'brien County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 76% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 79% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in O'brien County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ in O'brien County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sheldon Middle School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
310 23rd Avenue
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4346
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4346
Gr: 5-8 | 319 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
East Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
501 Normal College Ave
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Gr: PK-4 | 460 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #33.
South O'brien Elementary Sch Primghar Center
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
155 3rd St Ne
Primghar, IA 51245
(712) 957-3755
Primghar, IA 51245
(712) 957-3755
Gr: PK-6 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #44.
South O'brien Secondary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
307 W Groesbeck
Paullina, IA 51046
(712) 949-3454
Paullina, IA 51046
(712) 949-3454
Gr: 7-12 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #55.
Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
300 N 8th Ave W
Hartley, IA 51346
(712) 928-3406
Hartley, IA 51346
(712) 928-3406
Gr: 9-12 | 208 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #66.
Hartley-melvin-sanborn Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
400 3rd St Nw
Hartley, IA 51346
(712) 928-2020
Hartley, IA 51346
(712) 928-2020
Gr: PK-4 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #77.
Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
509 Main St.
Sanborn, IA 51248
(712) 930-3281
Sanborn, IA 51248
(712) 930-3281
Gr: 5-8 | 171 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #88.
Sheldon High School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1700 East Fourth Street
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-2501
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-2501
Gr: 9-12 | 345 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: n/an/a
109 N 18th Ave
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Gr: PK | 36 students Minority enrollment: 50%
O'brien County 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Northwest Iowa Charter High School (Closed 2011)
Charter School
300 North 8th Ave West
Hartley, IA 51346
(712) 928-3406
Hartley, IA 51346
(712) 928-3406
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in O'brien County, IA?
The top ranked public schools in O'brien County, IA include Sheldon Middle School, East Elementary School and South O'brien Elementary Sch Primghar Center.
How many public schools are located in O'brien County?
9 public schools are located in O'brien County.
What percentage of students in O'brien County go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in O'brien County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in O'brien County?
O'brien County public schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
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