For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,371 students in O'brien County, IA (there are 4 private schools, 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 East Elementary School, Sheldon Middle 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 72% (versus the Iowa public school average of 64%), and reading proficiency score of 79% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in O'brien County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% 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 Public Schools in O'brien County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
East Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
501 Normal College Ave
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Grades: PK-4
| 460 students
Rank: #22.
Sheldon Middle School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
310 23rd Avenue
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4346
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4346
Grades: 5-8
| 319 students
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
Grades: PK-6
| 316 students
Rank: #44.
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
Grades: PK-4
| 274 students
Rank: #55.
Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School
(Math: 65-69% | 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
Grades: 9-12
| 208 students
Rank: #66.
South O'brien Secondary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
307 W Groesbeck
Paullina, IA 51046
(712) 949-3454
Paullina, IA 51046
(712) 949-3454
Grades: 7-12
| 242 students
Rank: #77.
Sheldon High School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1700 East Fourth Street
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-2501
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-2501
Grades: 9-12
| 345 students
Rank: #88.
Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
509 Main St.
Sanborn, IA 51248
(712) 930-3281
Sanborn, IA 51248
(712) 930-3281
Grades: 5-8
| 171 students
Rank: n/an/a
109 N 18th Ave
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Grades: PK
| 36 students
O'brien County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
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
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
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 East Elementary School, Sheldon Middle 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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