For the 2025-26 school year, there are 2 public preschools serving 576 students in Shelby County, IA.
The top ranked public preschool in Shelby County, IA is Irwin Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Shelby County, IA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 85% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 85% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in Shelby County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschool average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Shelby County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Irwin Elementary School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
100 Eva Street
Irwin, IA 51446
(712) 782-3126
Irwin, IA 51446
(712) 782-3126
Gr: PK-3 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: n/an/a
2105 Durant St
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-5903
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-5903
Gr: PK-2 | 347 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
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 preschools in Shelby County, IA?
The top ranked public preschools in Shelby County, IA include Irwin Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Shelby County?
2 public preschools are located in Shelby County.
What is the racial composition of students in Shelby County?
Shelby County public preschools minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
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