For the 2025-26 school year, there are 2 public high schools serving 665 students in Shelby County, IA.
The top ranked public high schools in Shelby County, IA are Harlan High School and Exiraelk Horn-kimballton High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Shelby County, IA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 74% (versus the Iowa public high school average of 65%), and reading proficiency score of 80% (versus the 71% statewide average). High schools in Shelby County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Iowa public high schools.
Shelby County, IA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 93%, which is more than the Iowa average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Harlan High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Iowa or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public high school average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Shelby County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Harlan High School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2102 Durant
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-3101
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-3101
Gr: 9-12 | 477 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
Exiraelk Horn-kimballton High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4114 Madison St
Elk Horn, IA 51531
(712) 764-4616
Elk Horn, IA 51531
(712) 764-4616
Gr: 6-12 | 188 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Shelby County 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
304 Western Ave Po Box 309
Shelby, IA 51570
(712) 544-2240
Shelby, IA 51570
(712) 544-2240
Gr: 6-8 | 157 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
4114 Madison St
Elk Horn, IA 51531
(712) 764-4616
Elk Horn, IA 51531
(712) 764-4616
Gr: PK-8 | 167 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Harlan Community Flexible Education Center (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
2712 12th St
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-2457
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-2457
Gr: 9-12 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Shelby County, IA?
The top ranked public high schools in Shelby County, IA include Harlan High School and Exiraelk Horn-kimballton High School.
How many public high schools are located in Shelby County?
2 public high schools are located in Shelby County.
What is the racial composition of students in Shelby County?
Shelby County public high schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public high schools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
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