For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public middle schools serving 531 students in Shelby County, IA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Shelby County, IA are Harlan Community Middle School and Exiraelk Horn-kimballton High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Shelby County, IA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 74% (versus the Iowa public middle school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 82% (versus the 71% statewide average). Middle schools in Shelby County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Iowa public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public middle school average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Shelby County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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 | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
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 | 184 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Shelby County, IA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Shelby County, IA include Harlan Community Middle School and Exiraelk Horn-kimballton High School.
How many public middle schools are located in Shelby County?
2 public middle schools are located in Shelby County.
What is the racial composition of students in Shelby County?
Shelby County public middle schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public middle schools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
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.
