Serving 328 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, South O'brien Elementary School - Primghar Center ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 75-79% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75-79% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 328 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 11%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: The South O'Brien Elementary School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district, covering an area of approximately 303.8 square miles in Primghar, IA. Parents can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 17.1 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
South O'brien Elementary School - Primghar Center's student population of 328 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
328 students
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
South O'brien Elementary School - Primghar Center ranks within the top 30% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South O'brien Elementary School - Primghar Center is 0.21, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#336 out of 1223 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
Hispanic
5%
14%
Black
1%
7%
White
89%
70%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)6.4%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Integrity, Kindness, and Teamwork
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South O'brien Elementary School - Primghar Center's ranking?
South O'brien Elementary School - Primghar Center is ranked #336 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
75-79% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 75-79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend South O'brien Elementary School - Primghar Center?
328 students attend South O'brien Elementary School - Primghar Center.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
89% of South O'brien Elementary School - Primghar Center students are White, 5% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South O'brien Elementary School - Primghar Center?
South O'brien Elementary School - Primghar Center has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does South O'brien Elementary School - Primghar Center offer ?
South O'brien Elementary School - Primghar Center offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is South O'brien Elementary School - Primghar Center part of?
South O'brien Elementary School - Primghar Center is part of South O'brien Comm School District.
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