For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 551 students in Palo Alto County, IA.
The top-ranked public high schools in Palo Alto County, IA are Emmetsburg High School, Graettinger-terril High School and Ruthven-ayrshire High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Palo Alto County, IA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the Iowa public high school average of 65%), and reading proficiency score of 72% (versus the 71% statewide average). High schools in Palo Alto County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public high schools.
Palo Alto County, IA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 87%, which is equal to the Iowa average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Emmetsburg 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 9% 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 Palo Alto County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #3 - 43. - 4.
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: #3 - 43. - 4.
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%
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 high schools in Palo Alto County, IA?
The top-ranked public high schools in Palo Alto County, IA include Emmetsburg High School, Graettinger-terril High School and Ruthven-ayrshire High School.
How many public high schools are located in Palo Alto County?
4 public high schools are located in Palo Alto County.
What is the racial composition of students in Palo Alto County?
Palo Alto County public high schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public high schools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Key Questions
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Questions Every Parent Should Ask to support academic growth, social development, and 2026 classroom goals.
Prepare for Spring Tests Without Anxiety
Learn how to prepare for spring standardized tests without increasing anxiety using proven strategies for families and schools.
Why Public Schools Are Launching Marketing Campaigns in 2026
Discover why public schools are launching marketing campaigns in 2026 and how enrollment shifts, school choice, and funding pressures are driving change.