For the 2026-27 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 School - 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 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in O'brien County (2026-27)
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 | 312 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
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 | 468 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #33.
South O'brien Elementary School - 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 | 328 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
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 | 261 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
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 | 165 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
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 School - 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 30% (majority Hispanic).
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