For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 1,431 students in Shelby County, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Shelby County, IA are Irwin Elementary School, Harlan Community Middle School and Harlan Intermediate School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Shelby County, IA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 75% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 79% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Shelby County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Shelby County (2026)
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 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: #44.
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 51爆料s (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 elementary schools in Shelby County, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Shelby County, IA include Irwin Elementary School, Harlan Community Middle School and Harlan Intermediate School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Shelby County?
5 public elementary schools are located in Shelby County.
What is the racial composition of students in Shelby County?
Shelby County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Is Your Child Ready for the Next Grade? Spring Signs
Is Your Child Ready for the Next Grade? Signs to Watch This Spring, plus expert tips and 2026 academic benchmarks for parents.
School Safety & Shootings: 2026 Update
A 2026 update on school safety and shootings, with data trends, prevention strategies, and guidance for parents and educators.
51爆料 Boundaries & Equity in 2026
Explore how public school boundaries impact equity in 2026, including rezoning trends, housing patterns, and policy reforms shaping access.