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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Palo Alto County Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 470 students in Palo Alto County, IA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Palo Alto County, IA are West Bend-mallard Middle School, Emmetsburg Middle 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 middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 69% (versus the Iowa public middle school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 71% statewide average). Middle schools in Palo Alto County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% 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 Palo Alto County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
Ruthven-ayrshire High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1505 Washington St
Ruthven, IA 51358
(712) 837-5212
Gr: 7-12 | 58 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #44.
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Palo Alto County, IA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Palo Alto County, IA include West Bend-mallard Middle School, Emmetsburg Middle School and Ruthven-ayrshire High School.
How many public middle schools are located in Palo Alto County?
4 public middle schools are located in Palo Alto County.
What is the racial composition of students in Palo Alto County?
Palo Alto County public middle schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public middle schools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).

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