Shelby County Catholic School

Shelby County Catholic School serves 77 students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Harlan, Iowa. Despite its name suggesting a Catholic affiliation, the school operates as a regular public elementary school with a remarkably low student-teacher ratio of 7.5:1, supported by 10 full-time equivalent teachers. The school earns a solid MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 out of 10 and ranks 75th among Iowa's 157 elementary schools, placing it in the 53rd percentile statewide.

This middle-tier performance suggests the school provides a steady educational foundation for its students, with the intimate class sizes likely allowing for more individualized attention and support. Located at 2005 College Place, the school serves a community where the median household income reaches $66,615, with median home values around $155,600. About 24% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while the poverty rate remains relatively low at 9.8%, indicating a stable middle-class environment that can support student learning.

The school operates within Harlan, a town setting that offers the benefits of a close-knit community atmosphere while maintaining access to essential services and resources that support both families and educational programs.

With an enrollment of 77 students, Shelby County Catholic School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

With a student-teacher ratio of 7.5:1, Shelby County Catholic School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

As a private school, Shelby County Catholic School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.