Best Marion County Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 1,843 students in Marion County, IA.
The top-ranked public high schools in Marion County, IA are Pella High School, Pleasantville High School and Knoxville High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Marion County, IA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 71% (versus the Iowa public high school average of 65%), and reading proficiency score of 78% (versus the 71% statewide average). High schools in Marion County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Iowa public high schools.
Marion County, IA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 90%, which is more than the Iowa average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Pella High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Iowa or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public high school average of 28% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public High Schools in Marion County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pella High School
(Math: 87% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
212 E University St
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-3870
Gr: 9-12 | 801 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #22.
Pleasantville High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
415 Jones St
Pleasantville, IA 50225
(515) 848-0541
Gr: 9-12 | 241 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #33.
Knoxville High School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1811 W Madison
Knoxville, IA 50138
(641) 842-2173
Gr: 9-12 | 508 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Melcher-dallas High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
214 S Main
Melcher Dallas, IA 50163
(641) 947-3731
Gr: 7-12 | 151 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #55.
Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2204 Highway G71
Bussey, IA 50044
(641) 944-5243
Gr: 7-12 | 142 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 10%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Marion County, IA?
The top-ranked public high schools in Marion County, IA include Pella High School, Pleasantville High School and Knoxville High School.
How many public high schools are located in Marion County?
5 public high schools are located in Marion County.
What is the racial composition of students in Marion County?
Marion County public high schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public high schools average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Marion County are often viewed compared to one another?

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