For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 1,508 students in Palo Alto County, IA (there are 1 private school, serving 124 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Palo Alto County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Palo Alto County, IA are West Bend-mallard Elementary School, West Bend-mallard Middle School and West Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Palo Alto County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 67% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 74% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Palo Alto County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Palo Alto County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
West Bend-mallard Elementary School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
300 3rd Ave Sw
Mallard, IA 50562
(515) 887-7821
Mallard, IA 50562
(515) 887-7821
Gr: PK-4 | 184 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
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: #33.
West Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
602 Call St
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-4485
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-4485
Gr: PK-4 | 285 students Student-teacher ratio: 57:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #44.
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: #55.
Emmetsburg High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
205 King St
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-2966
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-2966
Gr: 9-12 | 240 students Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #66.
Graettinger-terril High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
205 S Lincoln Ave
Graettinger, IA 51342
(712) 859-3286
Graettinger, IA 51342
(712) 859-3286
Gr: 9-12 | 118 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
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: #7 - 87. - 8.
West Bend-mallard High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
300 3rd Ave Sw
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7831
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7831
Gr: 9-12 | 123 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #99.
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%
Rank: #1010.
Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1505 Washington St
Ruthven, IA 51358
(712) 837-5211
Ruthven, IA 51358
(712) 837-5211
Gr: PK-6 | 88 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Palo Alto County Public Schools (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 schools in Palo Alto County, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Palo Alto County, IA include West Bend-mallard Elementary School, West Bend-mallard Middle School and West Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Palo Alto County?
10 public schools are located in Palo Alto County.
What percentage of students in Palo Alto County go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Palo Alto County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Palo Alto County?
Palo Alto County public schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
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