For the 2025 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 Elementary School and Emmetsburg Middle 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 66% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 66%), 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 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Palo Alto County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
West Bend-mallard Elementary School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
300 3rd Ave Sw
Mallard, IA 50562
(515) 887-7821
Mallard, IA 50562
(515) 887-7821
Grades: PK-4
| 184 students
Rank: #22.
West Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
602 Call St
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-4485
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-4485
Grades: PK-4
| 285 students
Rank: #33.
Emmetsburg Middle School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
205 King Street
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-2892
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-2892
Grades: 5-8
| 225 students
Rank: #44.
West Bend-mallard Middle School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
300 3rd Ave. Sw
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7831
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7831
Grades: 5-8
| 107 students
Rank: #55.
Graettinger-terril Middle School
(Math: 50-54% | 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
Grades: 6-8
| 68 students
Rank: #66.
Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1505 Washington St
Ruthven, IA 51358
(712) 837-5211
Ruthven, IA 51358
(712) 837-5211
Grades: PK-6
| 88 students
Palo Alto County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Po Box 58
Graettinger, IA 51342
(712) 859-3286
Graettinger, IA 51342
(712) 859-3286
Grades: 6-8
| 54 students
300 3rd Ave Sw
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7821
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7821
Grades: PK-2
| 73 students
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 Elementary School and Emmetsburg Middle 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 29% (majority Hispanic).
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