Serving 241 students in grades 7-12, South O'brien Secondary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-74% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 78% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 241 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 9%
- Graduation Rate: 80-89% (Btm 50% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 78% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: South O'Brien Secondary School's attendance zone covers the entire district of Paullina, IA, encompassing approximately 303.8 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 15-20 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone being about 16.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South O'brien Secondary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
South O'brien Secondary School's student population of 241 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
241 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
South O'brien Secondary School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South O'brien Secondary School is 0.17, 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
#441 out of 1223 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
78%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
6%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
White
91%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
80-89%
87.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)17.8%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
23%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
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 Secondary School's ranking?
South O'brien Secondary School is ranked #441 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 78% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of South O'brien Secondary School?
The graduation rate of South O'brien Secondary School is 80-89%, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 87.5%.
How many students attend South O'brien Secondary School?
241 students attend South O'brien Secondary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
91% of South O'brien Secondary School students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South O'brien Secondary School?
South O'brien Secondary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does South O'brien Secondary School offer ?
South O'brien Secondary School offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is South O'brien Secondary School part of?
South O'brien Secondary School is part of South O'brien Comm School District.
School Reviews
Review South O'brien Secondary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.
