For the 2026-27 school year, there are 2 public preschools serving 576 students in Shelby County, IA.
The top-ranked public preschool in Shelby County, IA is Irwin Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Shelby County, IA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 85% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 85% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in Shelby County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschool average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Shelby County (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Irwin Elementary School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
100 Eva Street
Irwin, IA 51446
(712) 782-3126
Irwin, IA 51446
(712) 782-3126
Gr: PK-3 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: n/an/a
2105 Durant St
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-5903
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-5903
Gr: PK-2 | 342 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
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 preschools in Shelby County, IA?
The top-ranked public preschools in Shelby County, IA include Irwin Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Shelby County?
2 public preschools are located in Shelby County.
What is the racial composition of students in Shelby County?
Shelby County public preschools minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschools average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
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