For the 2025-26 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 470 students in Palo Alto County, IA.
The top ranked public middle schools in Palo Alto County, IA are West Bend-mallard Middle School, Emmetsburg Middle School and Ruthven-ayrshire High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Palo Alto County, IA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 69% (versus the Iowa public middle school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 71% statewide average). Middle schools in Palo Alto County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public middle school average of 25% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Palo Alto County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
West Bend-mallard Middle School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
300 3rd Ave. Sw
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7831
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7831
Gr: 5-8 | 107 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Emmetsburg Middle School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
205 King Street
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-2892
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-2892
Gr: 5-8 | 225 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
Ruthven-ayrshire High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1505 Washington St
Ruthven, IA 51358
(712) 837-5212
Ruthven, IA 51358
(712) 837-5212
Gr: 7-12 | 70 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
Graettinger-terril Middle School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
205 S Lincoln Ave
Graettinger, IA 51342
(712) 859-3286
Graettinger, IA 51342
(712) 859-3286
Gr: 6-8 | 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Palo Alto County 51爆料s (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Po Box 58
Graettinger, IA 51342
(712) 859-3286
Graettinger, IA 51342
(712) 859-3286
Gr: 6-8 | 54 students
300 3rd Ave Sw
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7821
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7821
Gr: PK-2 | 73 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in Palo Alto County, IA?
The top ranked public middle schools in Palo Alto County, IA include West Bend-mallard Middle School, Emmetsburg Middle School and Ruthven-ayrshire High School.
How many public middle schools are located in Palo Alto County?
4 public middle schools are located in Palo Alto County.
What is the racial composition of students in Palo Alto County?
Palo Alto County public middle schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public middle schools average of 25% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.

Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.

51爆料 Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.