Best Benton County Public Middle Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 752 students in Benton County, IA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Benton County, IA are Vinton-shellsburg Middle School, Benton Community Middle School and Belle Plaine Jr/sr High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Benton County, IA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 73% (versus the Iowa public middle school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 80% (versus the 71% statewide average). Middle schools in Benton County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Iowa public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public middle school average of 25% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Middle Schools in Benton County (2025-26)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Vinton-shellsburg Middle School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
212 W. 15th St.
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Gr: 6-8 | 337 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Benton Community Middle School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
600 1st St
Van Horne, IA 52346
(319) 228-8701
Gr: 7-8 | 212 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #33.
Belle Plaine Jr/sr High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
610 13th Ave South
Belle Plaine, IA 52208
(319) 444-3720
Gr: 7-12 | 203 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Benton County, IA

Benton County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
600 1st Street
Van Horne, IA 52346
(319) 228-8701
Gr: 9-12 | 14 students Minority enrollment: 7%
807 16th St
Belle Plaine, IA 52208
(319) 444-3137
Gr: 2-6
503 3rd Ave
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Gr: 3-4 | 164 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
1509 9th Ave
Belle Plaine, IA 52208
(319) 444-3631
Gr: 7-8
101 3rd Ave, 101 3rd Ave
Van Horne, IA 52346
(319) 228-8701
Gr: PK-2 | 123 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
516 W 9th St
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Gr: PK-2 | 321 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Benton County, IA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Benton County, IA include Vinton-shellsburg Middle School, Benton Community Middle School and Belle Plaine Jr/sr High School.
How many public middle schools are located in Benton County?
3 public middle schools are located in Benton County.
What is the racial composition of students in Benton County?
Benton County public middle schools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public middle schools average of 25% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide for Parents
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide for Parents
Learn what to ask at a public school open house during enrollment season, from academics to safety, to choose the right school for your child.
School Zoning Changes 2026: How Assignments May Shift
School Zoning Changes 2026: How Assignments May Shift
School Zoning Changes 2026 could affect your child’s school assignment. Learn how zoning works, what is changing, and how families can prepare.
School Vouchers: Updated Pros and Cons (2025 Review)
School Vouchers: Updated Pros and Cons (2025 Review)
Comprehensive 2025 analysis of school vouchers, weighing benefits and challenges for families, funding, outcomes, and policy directions.

Quick Links