For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 732 students in O'brien County, IA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in O'brien County, IA are Sheldon Middle School, South O'brien Secondary School and Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
O'brien County, IA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 79% (versus the Iowa public middle school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 80% (versus the 71% statewide average). Middle schools in O'brien County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of Iowa public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public middle school average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle 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 | 312 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #22.
South O'brien Secondary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
307 W Groesbeck
Paullina, IA 51046
(712) 949-3454
Paullina, IA 51046
(712) 949-3454
Gr: 7-12 | 241 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in O'brien County, IA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in O'brien County, IA include Sheldon Middle School, South O'brien Secondary School and Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in O'brien County?
3 public middle schools are located in O'brien County.
What is the racial composition of students in O'brien County?
O'brien County public middle schools minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public middle schools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.