For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,908 students in Shelby County, IA (there are , serving 93 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Shelby County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in Shelby County, IA are Irwin Elementary School, Harlan Community Middle School and Harlan High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Shelby 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 80% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Shelby County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Shelby County (2025-26)
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 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Harlan Community Middle School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2108 Durant Street
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-3196
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-3196
Gr: 6-8 | 343 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
Harlan High School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2102 Durant
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-3101
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-3101
Gr: 9-12 | 477 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #44.
Harlan Intermediate School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1401 19th St
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-2725
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-2725
Gr: 3-5 | 324 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #55.
Exiraelk Horn-kimballton High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4114 Madison St
Elk Horn, IA 51531
(712) 764-4616
Elk Horn, IA 51531
(712) 764-4616
Gr: 6-12 | 188 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: n/an/a
2105 Durant St
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-5903
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-5903
Gr: PK-2 | 347 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
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 schools in Shelby County, IA?
The top ranked public schools in Shelby County, IA include Irwin Elementary School, Harlan Community Middle School and Harlan High School.
How many public schools are located in Shelby County?
6 public schools are located in Shelby County.
What percentage of students in Shelby County go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Shelby County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Shelby County?
Shelby County public schools minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025
Latest data and policy changes on Texas public school enrollment growth, funding, and virtual education in 2025.
Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in Public Schools
Learn about financial aid and hidden costs in public schools. Discover what parents should budget for beyond tuition-free education.
NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025
Despite reforms, New York City schools remain the most segregated in the U.S. in 2025. Here鈥檚 what parents and educators need to know.