Top Rankings
South O'brien Community School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 20%)
For the 2025-26 school year, there are 2 public schools serving 558 students in South O'brien Community School District. This district's average testing ranking is 7/10, which is in the top 50% of public schools in Iowa.
Public Schools in South O'brien Community School District have an average math proficiency score of 74% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 78% (versus the 70% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (IA)
# Schools
2 Schools
1,320 Schools
# Students
558 Students
501,674 Students
# Teachers
44 Teachers
34,800 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
South O'brien Community School District, which is ranked within the top 50% of all 325 school districts in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 85% has increased from 80-89% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#110 out of 327 school districts
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
74%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
77%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
63%
Graduation Rate
85%
90%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.15
0.47
% American Indian
n/a
n/a
% Asian
n/a
3%
% Hispanic
6%
13%
% Black
n/a
7%
% White
92%
71%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $18,039 is higher than the state median of $16,468. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $16,091 is higher than the state median of $16,042. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Total Revenue
$10 MM
$8,262 MM
Spending
$9 MM
$8,048 MM
Revenue / Student
$18,039
$16,468
Spending / Student
$16,091
$16,042
Best South O'brien Community School District Public Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to South O'brien Community School District?
South O'brien Community School District manages 2 public schools serving 558 students.
What is the rank of South O'brien Community School District?
South O'brien Community School District is ranked #103 out of 325 school districts in Iowa (top 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of Iowa school districts for: Highest science proficiency (Top 20%)
What is the racial composition of students in South O'brien Community School District?
92% of South O'brien Community School District students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student/teacher ratio of South O'brien Community School District?
South O'brien Community School District has a student/teacher ratio of 13:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What is South O'brien Community School District's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $16,091 is higher than the state median of $16,042. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
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.