For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public middle schools serving 531 students in Shelby County, IA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Shelby County, IA are Harlan Community Middle School and Exiraelk Horn-kimballton High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Shelby County, IA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 74% (versus the Iowa public middle school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 82% (versus the 71% statewide average). Middle schools in Shelby County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Iowa public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public middle school average of 25% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Shelby County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Harlan Community Middle School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2108 Durant Street
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-3196
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-3196
Gr: 6-8 | 343 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
Exiraelk Horn-kimballton High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4114 Madison St
Elk Horn, IA 51531
(712) 764-4616
Elk Horn, IA 51531
(712) 764-4616
Gr: 6-12 | 188 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Shelby County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
304 Western Ave Po Box 309
Shelby, IA 51570
(712) 544-2240
Shelby, IA 51570
(712) 544-2240
Gr: 6-8 | 157 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
4114 Madison St
Elk Horn, IA 51531
(712) 764-4616
Elk Horn, IA 51531
(712) 764-4616
Gr: PK-8 | 167 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Harlan Community Flexible Education Center (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
2712 12th St
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-2457
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-2457
Gr: 9-12 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Shelby County, IA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Shelby County, IA include Harlan Community Middle School and Exiraelk Horn-kimballton High School.
How many public middle schools are located in Shelby County?
2 public middle schools are located in Shelby County.
What is the racial composition of students in Shelby County?
Shelby County public middle schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public middle schools average of 25% (majority Hispanic).
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