For the 2025-26 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 1,086 students in O'brien County, IA.
The top-ranked public preschools in O'brien County, IA are East Elementary School, South O'brien Elementary Sch Primghar Center and Hartley-melvin-sanborn Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
O'brien County, IA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 77% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 80% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in O'brien County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschool average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in O'brien County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
East Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
501 Normal College Ave
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Gr: PK-4 | 460 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #22.
South O'brien Elementary Sch Primghar Center
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
155 3rd St Ne
Primghar, IA 51245
(712) 957-3755
Primghar, IA 51245
(712) 957-3755
Gr: PK-6 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #33.
Hartley-melvin-sanborn Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
400 3rd St Nw
Hartley, IA 51346
(712) 928-2020
Hartley, IA 51346
(712) 928-2020
Gr: PK-4 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: n/an/a
109 N 18th Ave
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-4337
Gr: PK | 36 students Minority enrollment: 50%
O'brien County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Northwest Iowa Charter High School (Closed 2011)
Charter School
300 North 8th Ave West
Hartley, IA 51346
(712) 928-3406
Hartley, IA 51346
(712) 928-3406
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in O'brien County, IA?
The top-ranked public preschools in O'brien County, IA include East Elementary School, South O'brien Elementary Sch Primghar Center and Hartley-melvin-sanborn Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in O'brien County?
4 public preschools are located in O'brien County.
What is the racial composition of students in O'brien County?
O'brien County public preschools minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.
School Supply Budget 2026: Fees, Books, Tech Costs
School Supply Budget 2026 guide for parents, covering fees, textbooks, technology, and hidden extras to plan ahead.
Education Funding in America (2025 Update)
Comprehensive 2025 update on public school funding in America, new federal and state policies, per-pupil spending, and equity challenges.