The Hartley–Melvin–Sanborn High School is a rural public high school located in Hartley, Iowa. It is part of the Hartley–Melvin–Sanborn Community School District. The school's mascot is the Hawk and athletic competitions take place in the War Eagle Conference.
Serving 203 students in grades 9-12, Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-74% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75-79% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 203 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 22%
- Graduation Rate: 80-89% (Btm 50% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 80-89% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Student Attention
School Overview
Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School's student population of 203 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
203 students
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
School Rankings
Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School is 0.37, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#444 out of 1223 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-89%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
Hispanic
15%
14%
Black
2%
7%
White
78%
70%
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-89%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)34%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
15%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Hawk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School's ranking?
Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School is ranked #444 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 75-79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School?
The graduation rate of Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School is 80-89%, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School?
203 students attend Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
78% of Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School students are White, 15% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School?
Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School offer ?
Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School part of?
Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School is part of Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Comm School District.
School Reviews
Review Hartley-melvin-sanborn High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.
