For the 2025 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 (2025)
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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