For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 551 students in Palo Alto County, IA.
The top-ranked public high schools in Palo Alto County, IA are Emmetsburg High School, Graettinger-terril High School and Ruthven-ayrshire High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Palo Alto County, IA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the Iowa public high school average of 65%), and reading proficiency score of 72% (versus the 71% statewide average). High schools in Palo Alto County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public high schools.
Palo Alto County, IA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 87%, which is equal to the Iowa average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Emmetsburg 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 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public high school average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Palo Alto County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Emmetsburg High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
205 King St
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-2966
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-2966
Gr: 9-12 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 118:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #22.
Graettinger-terril High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
205 S Lincoln Ave
Graettinger, IA 51342
(712) 859-3286
Graettinger, IA 51342
(712) 859-3286
Gr: 9-12 | 128 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Ruthven-ayrshire High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1505 Washington St
Ruthven, IA 51358
(712) 837-5212
Ruthven, IA 51358
(712) 837-5212
Gr: 7-12 | 58 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
West Bend-mallard High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
300 3rd Ave Sw
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7831
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7831
Gr: 9-12 | 117 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Palo Alto County, IA?
The top-ranked public high schools in Palo Alto County, IA include Emmetsburg High School, Graettinger-terril High School and Ruthven-ayrshire High School.
How many public high schools are located in Palo Alto County?
4 public high schools are located in Palo Alto County.
What is the racial composition of students in Palo Alto County?
Palo Alto County public high schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public high schools average of 28% (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.