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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Palo Alto County Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 957 students in Palo Alto County, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary 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 elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 71% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 75% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in Palo Alto County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Palo Alto County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
West Bend-mallard Elementary School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
300 3rd Ave Sw
Mallard, IA 50562
(515) 887-7821
Gr: PK-4 | 173 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
West Bend-mallard Middle School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
300 3rd Ave. Sw
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7831
Gr: 5-8 | 132 students Student-teacher ratio: 33:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
West Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
602 Call St
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-4485
Gr: PK-4 | 293 students Student-teacher ratio: 42:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Emmetsburg Middle School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
205 King Street
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-2892
Gr: 5-8 | 199 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #55.
Graettinger-terril Middle School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
205 S Lincoln Ave
Graettinger, IA 51342
(712) 859-3286
Gr: 6-8 | 48 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #66.
Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1505 Washington St
Ruthven, IA 51358
(712) 837-5211
Gr: PK-6 | 89 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 16%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Palo Alto County, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Palo Alto County, IA include West Bend-mallard Elementary School, West Bend-mallard Middle School and West Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Palo Alto County?
6 public elementary schools are located in Palo Alto County.
What is the racial composition of students in Palo Alto County?
Palo Alto County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

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