For the 2026 school year, there is 1 private school serving 120 students in Harlan, IA (there are 4 public schools, serving 1,472 public students). 8% of all K-12 students in Harlan, IA are educated in private schools (compared to the IA state average of 10%).
The top-ranked private school in Harlan, IA is Shelby County Catholic School.
The average acceptance rate is 100%, which is higher than the Iowa private school average acceptance rate of 87%.
100% of private schools in Harlan, IA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic).
Top-Ranked Harlan Private Schools (2026)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Shelby County Catholic School
(Catholic)
2005 College Pl
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-5634
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-5634
Gr: PK-5 | 120 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Overview
This Town (Harlan)
This State (IA)
# Schools
1 School
Student Body:
# Students
120 Students
52,698 Students
% Average Students of Color
8%
16%
Academics and Faculty:
# Teachers
10 Teachers
4,274 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
25%
40%
Average Class Size
15 students
16 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate:
Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$4,500
$9,284
Average Acceptance Rate
100%
87%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.53
0.48
# American Indian Students
n/a
116 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
n/a
# Asian Students
n/a
1,075 Students
% Asian Students
n/a
2%
# Hispanic Students
4 Students
3,392 Students
% Hispanic Students
3%
7%
# Black Students
2 Students
1,537 Students
% Black Students
2%
3%
# White Students
71 Students
36,965 Students
% White Students
59%
70%
# Hawaiian Students
n/a
98 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
% of Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
# Others Students
43 Students
9,624 Students
% of Others Students
36%
18%
All Ethnic Groups
Extracurriculars and Sports:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked private schools in Harlan, IA?
The top-ranked private schools in Harlan, IA is Shelby County Catholic School.
How many private schools are located in Harlan?
1 private schools are located in Harlan.
What percentage of students in Harlan go to private school?
8% of all K-12 students in Harlan are educated in private schools (compared to the IA state average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Harlan?
100% of private schools in Harlan are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic).
Recent Articles
How to Ask About Staff Screening Without Apologizing
Parents should feel comfortable asking how private schools screen employees. Learn which questions matter, what answers to expect, and why transparency about hiring and student safety is a hallmark of a well-managed school.
What Facility Safety Tells You About School Oversight
A school's facilities reveal far more than appearance. Learn how building maintenance, emergency preparedness, and campus safety practices can help parents evaluate school leadership, oversight, and long-term commitment to student well-being.
Is the School Legally a School? A Parent Verification Checklist
Before enrolling your child in a private school, learn how to verify that it is legally operating, properly accredited, and authorized to issue recognized diplomas with this practical parent checklist for making a confident school choice.
