For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 1,540 students in O'brien County, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in O'brien County, IA are Sheldon Middle School, East Elementary 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 elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 79% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 81% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in O'brien County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in O'brien County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sheldon Middle School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
310 23rd Avenue
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4346
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4346
Gr: 5-8 | 319 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
East Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
501 Normal College Ave
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Gr: PK-4 | 460 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
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
Gr: PK-6 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
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
Gr: PK-4 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #55.
Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
509 Main St.
Sanborn, IA 51248
(712) 930-3281
Sanborn, IA 51248
(712) 930-3281
Gr: 5-8 | 171 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
O'brien County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in O'brien County, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in O'brien County, IA include Sheldon Middle School, East Elementary School and South O'brien Elementary Sch Primghar Center.
How many public elementary schools are located in O'brien County?
5 public elementary schools are located in O'brien County.
What is the racial composition of students in O'brien County?
O'brien County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
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