For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,371 students in O'brien County, IA (there are , serving 387 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in O'brien County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in O'brien County, IA are Sheldon Middle School, East Elementary School and South O'brien Elementary Sch Primghar Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
O'brien County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 76% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 79% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in O'brien County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in O'brien County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sheldon Middle School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
310 23rd Avenue
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4346
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4346
Gr: 5-8 | 319 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
East Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
501 Normal College Ave
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Gr: PK-4 | 460 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #33.
South O'brien Elementary Sch Primghar Center
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
155 3rd St Ne
Primghar, IA 51245
(712) 957-3755
Primghar, IA 51245
(712) 957-3755
Gr: PK-6 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #44.
South O'brien Secondary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
307 W Groesbeck
Paullina, IA 51046
(712) 949-3454
Paullina, IA 51046
(712) 949-3454
Gr: 7-12 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #55.
Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
300 N 8th Ave W
Hartley, IA 51346
(712) 928-3406
Hartley, IA 51346
(712) 928-3406
Gr: 9-12 | 208 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #66.
Hartley-melvin-sanborn Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
400 3rd St Nw
Hartley, IA 51346
(712) 928-2020
Hartley, IA 51346
(712) 928-2020
Gr: PK-4 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #77.
Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
509 Main St.
Sanborn, IA 51248
(712) 930-3281
Sanborn, IA 51248
(712) 930-3281
Gr: 5-8 | 171 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #88.
Sheldon High School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1700 East Fourth Street
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-2501
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-2501
Gr: 9-12 | 345 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: n/an/a
109 N 18th Ave
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Gr: PK | 36 students Minority enrollment: 50%
O'brien County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Northwest Iowa Charter High School (Closed 2011)
Charter School
300 North 8th Ave West
Hartley, IA 51346
(712) 928-3406
Hartley, IA 51346
(712) 928-3406
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in O'brien County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in O'brien County, IA include Sheldon Middle School, East Elementary School and South O'brien Elementary Sch Primghar Center.
How many public schools are located in O'brien County?
9 public schools are located in O'brien County.
What percentage of students in O'brien County go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in O'brien County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in O'brien County?
O'brien County public schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Multilingual Learner Growth Models & Accountability
Learn how multilingual learner growth models are reshaping school accountability systems and what it means for public schools in 2026.
School-Based Health Clinics: Funding, Billing, and Student Access
Learn how school-based health clinics are funded, how billing works, and how students access care in public schools.
Outdoor Learning in Urban Schools: Forest School Programs
Explore how urban districts adopt outdoor learning and forest school programs to boost student engagement, well-being, and academic success.