For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public high schools serving 665 students in Shelby County, IA.
The top-ranked public high schools in Shelby County, IA are Harlan High 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 high schools have an average math proficiency score of 74% (versus the Iowa public high school average of 65%), and reading proficiency score of 80% (versus the 71% statewide average). High schools in Shelby County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Iowa public high schools.
Shelby County, IA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 93%, which is more than the Iowa average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Harlan High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Iowa or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public high school average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Shelby County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Harlan High School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2102 Durant
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-3101
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-3101
Gr: 9-12 | 477 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
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 | 188 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Shelby County Public Schools (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 high schools in Shelby County, IA?
The top-ranked public high schools in Shelby County, IA include Harlan High School and Exiraelk Horn-kimballton High School.
How many public high schools are located in Shelby County?
2 public high schools are located in Shelby County.
What is the racial composition of students in Shelby County?
Shelby County public high schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public high schools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
School Vouchers 2026: Updated Pros and Cons
Explore school vouchers in 2026, including updated pros, cons, policy changes, and what families should know before choosing.
Education Funding in America (2026 Update)
A 2026 update on education funding in America, including federal, state, and local trends, equity gaps, and what parents should know.
What It Takes to Run a 91果冻传媒 Day-to-Day
Explore what it takes to run a public school daily, from leadership and staffing to budgeting, safety, and student support systems.