For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 795 students in O'brien County, IA.
The top ranked public high schools in O'brien County, IA are Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School, South O'brien Secondary School and Sheldon High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
O'brien County, IA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 66% (versus the Iowa public high school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 76% (versus the 71% statewide average). High schools in O'brien County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public high schools.
O'brien County, IA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 87%, which is less than the Iowa average of 88%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Sheldon High School, with 90-94% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Iowa or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public high school average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in O'brien County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School
(Math: 65-69% | 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
Grades: 9-12
| 208 students
Rank: #22.
South O'brien Secondary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
307 W Groesbeck
Paullina, IA 51046
(712) 949-3454
Paullina, IA 51046
(712) 949-3454
Grades: 7-12
| 242 students
Rank: #33.
Sheldon High School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1700 East Fourth Street
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-2501
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-2501
Grades: 9-12
| 345 students
O'brien County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
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
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in O'brien County, IA?
The top ranked public high schools in O'brien County, IA include Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School, South O'brien Secondary School and Sheldon High School.
How many public high schools are located in O'brien County?
3 public high schools are located in O'brien County.
What is the racial composition of students in O'brien County?
O'brien County public high schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public high schools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
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