For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 1,843 students in Marion County, IA.
The top ranked public high schools in Marion County, IA are Pella High School, Pleasantville High School and Knoxville High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Marion County, IA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 71% (versus the Iowa public high school average of 65%), and reading proficiency score of 78% (versus the 71% statewide average). High schools in Marion County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Iowa public high schools.
Marion County, IA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 90%, which is more than the Iowa average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Pella 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 11% 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 Marion County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pella High School
(Math: 87% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
212 E University St
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-3870
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-3870
Gr: 9-12 | 791 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Pleasantville High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
415 Jones St
Pleasantville, IA 50225
(515) 848-0541
Pleasantville, IA 50225
(515) 848-0541
Gr: 9-12 | 245 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
Knoxville High School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1811 W Madison
Knoxville, IA 50138
(641) 842-2173
Knoxville, IA 50138
(641) 842-2173
Gr: 9-12 | 503 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #44.
Melcher-dallas High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
214 S Main
Melcher Dallas, IA 50163
(641) 947-3731
Melcher Dallas, IA 50163
(641) 947-3731
Gr: 7-12 | 145 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #55.
Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2204 Highway G71
Bussey, IA 50044
(641) 944-5243
Bussey, IA 50044
(641) 944-5243
Gr: 7-12 | 159 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Marion County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Goal Alternative School (Closed 2016)
Alternative School
614 E. Washington
Knoxville, IA 50138
(641) 842-4533
Knoxville, IA 50138
(641) 842-4533
Gr: 9-12 | 29 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
214 S. Main Street
Melcher Dallas, IA 50163
(641) 947-3731
Melcher Dallas, IA 50163
(641) 947-3731
Gr: 7-8 | 51 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
401 Main St
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-4638
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-4638
Gr: K-3 | 171 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Marion County, IA?
The top ranked public high schools in Marion County, IA include Pella High School, Pleasantville High School and Knoxville High School.
How many public high schools are located in Marion County?
5 public high schools are located in Marion County.
What is the racial composition of students in Marion County?
Marion County public high schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public high schools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Marion County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Marion County include: Melcher-dallas High School vs. Knoxville High School, Pleasantville High School vs. Knoxville High School, Knoxville High School vs. Melcher-dallas High School
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.