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 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Marion County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pella High School
(Math: 87% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
212 E University St
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-3870
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-3870
Gr: 9-12 | 791 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Pleasantville High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
415 Jones St
Pleasantville, IA 50225
(515) 848-0541
Pleasantville, IA 50225
(515) 848-0541
Gr: 9-12 | 245 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
Knoxville High School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1811 W Madison
Knoxville, IA 50138
(641) 842-2173
Knoxville, IA 50138
(641) 842-2173
Gr: 9-12 | 503 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #44.
Melcher-dallas High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
214 S Main
Melcher Dallas, IA 50163
(641) 947-3731
Melcher Dallas, IA 50163
(641) 947-3731
Gr: 7-12 | 145 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #55.
Twin Cedars Jr-sr High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2204 Highway G71
Bussey, IA 50044
(641) 944-5243
Bussey, IA 50044
(641) 944-5243
Gr: 7-12 | 159 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Marion County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Goal Alternative School (Closed 2016)
Alternative School
614 E. Washington
Knoxville, IA 50138
(641) 842-4533
Knoxville, IA 50138
(641) 842-4533
Gr: 9-12 | 29 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
214 S. Main Street
Melcher Dallas, IA 50163
(641) 947-3731
Melcher Dallas, IA 50163
(641) 947-3731
Gr: 7-8 | 51 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
401 Main St
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-4638
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-4638
Gr: K-3 | 171 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
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 27% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Marion County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Marion County include: Melcher-dallas High School vs. Knoxville High School, Pleasantville High School vs. Knoxville High School, Knoxville High School vs. Melcher-dallas High School
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