For the 2025-26 school year, there are 4 private schools serving 361 students in O'brien County, IA (there are 9 public schools, serving 2,371 public students). 13% of all K-12 students in O'brien County, IA are educated in private schools (compared to the IA state average of 9%).
The top ranked private school in O'brien County, IA is Zion-st John Lutheran School.
The average acceptance rate is 99%, which is higher than the Iowa private school average acceptance rate of 85%.
100% of private schools in O'brien County, IA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Other and Lutheran Church Missouri Synod).
Top Ranked O'brien County Private Schools (2025-26)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Zion-st John Lutheran School
(Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)
103 W Bertha St
Paullina, IA 51046
(712) 949-3915
Paullina, IA 51046
(712) 949-3915
Gr: PK-8 | 81 students Avg. class size: 8 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
1020 4th Ave
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-3181
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-3181
Gr: PK-8 | 64 students
405 W 2nd Street
Sanborn, IA 51248
(712) 729-3288
Sanborn, IA 51248
(712) 729-3288
Gr: PK-8 | 110 students Avg. class size: 11 students Sports: 6 | Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition listed
Sheldon Christian School
(Christian)
1425 E 9th Street
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-2429
Sheldon, IA 51201
(712) 324-2429
Gr: PK-8 | 132 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private schools in O'brien County, IA?
The top ranked private schools in O'brien County, IA is Zion-st John Lutheran School.
How many private schools are located in O'brien County?
4 private schools are located in O'brien County.
What percentage of students in O'brien County go to private school?
13% of all K-12 students in O'brien County are educated in private schools (compared to the IA state average of 9%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in O'brien County?
100% of private schools in O'brien County are religiously affiliated (most commonly Other and Lutheran Church Missouri Synod).
Recent Articles
Private Schools: 10 Key Challenges for Families
Explore the top 10 challenges families face in private schools in 2025, from affordability to admissions, with expert insights and strategies.
10 Misconceptions About Private Schools in 2025
Explore and debunk 10 common misconceptions about private schools in 2025. Learn the facts parents need when considering private education.
For-Profit vs Not-For-Profit Private Schools: What Parents Should Know
Explore the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit private schools, key trade-offs, and how to assess quality in 2025.


