For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,908 students in Shelby County, IA (there are 1 private school, 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 Harlan High School, Harlan Community Middle School and Irwin Elementary 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 74% (versus the Iowa public school average of 64%), and reading proficiency score of 80% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Shelby County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% 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)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Harlan High School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2102 Durant
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-3101
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-3101
Grades: 9-12
| 477 students
Rank: #22.
Harlan Community Middle School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2108 Durant Street
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-3196
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-3196
Grades: 6-8
| 343 students
Rank: #33.
Irwin Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
100 Eva Street
Irwin, IA 51446
(712) 782-3126
Irwin, IA 51446
(712) 782-3126
Grades: PK-3
| 229 students
Rank: #44.
Harlan Intermediate School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1401 19th St
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-2725
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-2725
Grades: 3-5
| 324 students
Rank: #55.
Exiraelk Horn-kimballton High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4114 Madison St
Elk Horn, IA 51531
(712) 764-4616
Elk Horn, IA 51531
(712) 764-4616
Grades: 6-12
| 188 students
Shelby County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
304 Western Ave Po Box 309
Shelby, IA 51570
(712) 544-2240
Shelby, IA 51570
(712) 544-2240
Grades: 6-8
| 157 students
4114 Madison St
Elk Horn, IA 51531
(712) 764-4616
Elk Horn, IA 51531
(712) 764-4616
Grades: PK-8
| 167 students
Harlan Community Flexible Education Center (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
2712 12th St
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-2457
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-2457
Grades: 9-12
| 16 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Shelby County, IA?
The top ranked public schools in Shelby County, IA include Harlan High School, Harlan Community Middle School and Irwin Elementary 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).
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