Palo Alto County Schools & Education
Palo Alto County, Iowa
School Score
53/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
89.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 92.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,860
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,591
School Score
53/100
Higher = better
State avg 61/100
State School Rank
#75
of 99 counties (1 = best)
Explore Palo Alto County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Palo Alto County, Iowa
Education Across Palo Alto County
Palo Alto County manages a lean educational network of 10 public schools serving 1,536 total students. The system is managed by four districts and includes three elementary, three middle, and four high schools.
High Investment for Student Success
The county posts a graduation rate of 89.3%, which beats the national average of 87.0% but falls short of the Iowa state mark. Local districts invest $7,860 per pupil, outspending the state average of $7,591 to maintain a solid 55.0 composite school score.
Emmetsburg Dominates the Local Landscape
Emmetsburg Community School District is the largest provider, educating 770 students across three different campuses. All schools in the county are traditional public institutions, as there are no charter schools currently in operation.
Intimate Learning in a Rural Environment
The learning environment is primarily rural, with seven of the ten schools located in open rural settings. While West Elementary is the largest school with 300 students, the county-wide average school size is just 154 students.
Small Schools Make Palo Alto a Great Move
For those seeking a tight-knit community with very small class sizes, Palo Alto County offers unique residential opportunities. Researching school performance in districts like Emmetsburg is a vital step for families entering this market.
School Overview
Total Schools
10
in Palo Alto County
Total Enrollment
1,536
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Palo Alto County
Emmetsburg Comm School District
West Bend-Mallard Comm School District
Graettinger-Terril Comm School District
Ruthven-Ayrshire Comm School District
10 Public Schools in Palo Alto County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Elementary School | Emmetsburg Comm School District | PK–4 | Primary | 300 |
| Emmetsburg High School | Emmetsburg Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 245 |
| Emmetsburg Middle School | Emmetsburg Comm School District | 5–8 | Middle | 225 |
| West Bend-Mallard Elementary School | West Bend-Mallard Comm School District | PK–4 | Primary | 170 |
| Graettinger-Terril High School | Graettinger-Terril Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 128 |
| West Bend-Mallard High School | West Bend-Mallard Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 114 |
| West Bend-Mallard Middle School | West Bend-Mallard Comm School District | 5–8 | Middle | 111 |
| Ruthven-Ayrshire Elementary School | Ruthven-Ayrshire Comm School District | PK–6 | Primary | 87 |
| Graettinger-Terril Middle School | Graettinger-Terril Comm School District | 6–8 | Middle | 79 |
| Ruthven-Ayrshire High School | Ruthven-Ayrshire Comm School District | 7–12 | High | 77 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,860
State avg $7,591
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Palo Alto County, Iowa — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Palo Alto County, Iowa?
Palo Alto County manages a lean educational network of 10 public schools serving 1,536 total students. The system is managed by four districts and includes three elementary, three middle, and four high schools.
How do schools in Palo Alto County perform academically?
The county posts a graduation rate of 89.3%, which beats the national average of 87.0% but falls short of the Iowa state mark. Local districts invest $7,860 per pupil, outspending the state average of $7,591 to maintain a solid 55.0 composite school score.
What are the major school districts in Palo Alto County, Iowa?
Emmetsburg Community School District is the largest provider, educating 770 students across three different campuses. All schools in the county are traditional public institutions, as there are no charter schools currently in operation.
What is the school experience like in Palo Alto County?
The learning environment is primarily rural, with seven of the ten schools located in open rural settings. While West Elementary is the largest school with 300 students, the county-wide average school size is just 154 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Palo Alto County, Iowa?
For those seeking a tight-knit community with very small class sizes, Palo Alto County offers unique residential opportunities. Researching school performance in districts like Emmetsburg is a vital step for families entering this market.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.