Average
#574 of 1,280 schools in IA
Top 45% in state
South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center
Elementary School · South O'Brien Comm School District
PO BOX 470 155 3rd St NE, Primghar, IA 51245
Enrollment
316
Student-Teacher
14.4:1
Score
6.7
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
316
Student-Teacher
14.4:1
Score
6.7
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#574 of 1,280
In district
#2 of 2
South O'Brien Comm School District
School environment
8.9 / 10
Excellent
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South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center
Elementary School in Primghar · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Sanborn Christian School
6.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School
6.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center
South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center is a public elementary school in Primghar, IA, part of South O'Brien Comm School District. South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center serves approximately 316 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 14.4:1 student-teacher ratio. South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 out of 10 and ranks #574 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center show 76% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 75% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.7 · Average
- IA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center — Students at South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center score 74% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 73%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
39.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 37 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.1/10.
How South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center Compares
See how South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
PO BOX 470 155 3rd St NE, Primghar, IA 51245
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Sibley Ocheyedan Elementary School (rated 9.3/10, 22.6 miles away, in nearby Sibley), which scores notably higher. Another option is East Elementary School (rated 9.1/10, 12.5 miles away, in nearby Sheldon), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ST PATRICK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.1/10, 13.0 miles away, in nearby Sheldon), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Primghar, see our Primghar schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 23.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| SANBORN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Sanborn | 6.6 mi | 6.8 |
| Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Middle School Sanborn | 6.8 mi | 7.8 |
| South O'Brien Secondary School Paullina | 8.3 mi | 7.1 |
| ZION-ST JOHN LUTHERAN SCHOOL Paullina | 8.5 mi | 6.6 |
| Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School Hartley | 9.9 mi | 6.5 |
| Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary School Hartley | 9.9 mi | 7.6 |
| Sheldon Middle School Sheldon | 12.1 mi | 8.3 |
| Sheldon High School Sheldon | 12.3 mi | 7.1 |
| Little Orabs Preschool Sheldon | 12.4 mi | — |
| SHELDON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Sheldon | 12.4 mi | 7.0 |
| East Elementary School Sheldon | 12.5 mi | 9.1 |
| ST PATRICK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Sheldon | 13.0 mi | 8.1 |
| MMCRU Marcus Elementary Marcus | 20.6 mi | 7.8 |
| MMCRU High School Marcus | 20.7 mi | 7.4 |
| Cherokee Elementary School Cherokee | 22.6 mi | 3.7 |
| Cherokee Middle School Cherokee | 22.6 mi | 6.9 |
| Sibley-Ocheyedan Middle School Sibley | 22.5 mi | 7.9 |
| Sibley-Ocheyedan High School Sibley | 22.5 mi | 7.0 |
| Sibley Ocheyedan Elementary School Sibley | 22.6 mi | 9.3 |
| Washington High School Cherokee | 23.2 mi | 5.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 51245 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$78,958
Median Home Value
$139,500
Median Rent
$933/mo
Population
1,264
College Educated
28.7%
Homeownership
86.6%
Avg Commute
20.9 min
Poverty Rate
15.6%
Median Age
37.3
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Atkins Elementary School Atkins, IA | 6.7 |
| Franklin Elementary Sch Marshalltown, IA | 6.7 |
| Franklin Elementary School Boone, IA | 6.7 |
| HOLY TRINITY Des Moines, IA | 6.7 |
| LOURDES CATHOLIC SCHOOL Bettendorf, IA | 6.7 |
| ST THERESA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Des Moines, IA | 6.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center
What grades does South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center serve?
South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center?
South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center has an enrollment of approximately 316 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center?
The student-teacher ratio at South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center is 14.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center rank in IA?
South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center ranks #574 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center's MySchoolScout rating?
South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center?
Based on loaded state assessment records, South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center has 76% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 75% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center a charter school?
No, South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center a Title I school?
No, South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center?
39.2% of students at South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 316
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 22
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 39.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- O'Brien County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 6.6%
- Phone
- (712) 957-3755
Resources & Links
District
South O'Brien Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 558
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,648
- District Rank
- #2 of 2
Other Schools in This District
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