For the 2025 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 Emmetsburg Middle School, West Bend-mallard 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 59% (versus the Iowa public middle school average of 64%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 71% statewide average). Middle schools in Palo Alto County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 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 25% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Palo Alto County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
Ruthven-ayrshire High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1505 Washington St
Ruthven, IA 51358
(712) 837-5212
Ruthven, IA 51358
(712) 837-5212
Grades: 7-12
| 70 students
Rank: #44.
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
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 middle schools in Palo Alto County, IA?
The top ranked public middle schools in Palo Alto County, IA include Emmetsburg Middle School, West Bend-mallard 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 25% (majority Hispanic).
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