Private schools in O'Brien County, IA
4 schools across Paullina, Sanborn, Sheldon. About 311 students in all (2023-24). 3 on the state’s Students First ESA list.
| School | Grades | Students |
|---|---|---|
| Zion-St. John Lutheran School ✓ | PreK-8 | 66 |
| Sanborn Christian School ✓ | PreK-8 | 103 |
| Sheldon Christian School ✓ | PreK-8 | 96 |
| St. Patrick Elementary School | PreK-8 | 46 |
O'Brien County private schools at a glance
- Towns
- 3; the most in Sheldon (2)
- Among Iowa counties
- 16th most private schools of 67; 1% of the state’s 274
- Typical school
- 96 students (4 reporting)
- Smallest and largest
- St. Patrick Elementary School, 46 students; Sanborn Christian School, 103 students
- Students per teacher
- 8.9 typical, 5.1 to 10.3 across 4 schools
- Not taught in the county
- high school
- Co-ed or single-sex
- all co-ed
- State program
- Education savings account, $8,148 per student for 2026-27
How Students First ESA works
Where these facts come from
- Grades, size, affiliation, co-ed, membership, college-going: NCES Private School Universe Survey 2023-24, downloaded September 20, 2026.
- Program list: Iowa Students First Education Savings Account schools, list read October 26, 2026, checked November 4, 2026.
- Award and rules: Iowa Students First Education Savings Account, official page, read October 11, 2026.
Cities in and around O'Brien County
Neighboring counties
- Sioux County (12)
- Plymouth County (4)
- Lyon County (3)
- Clay County (2)
- Buena Vista County (2)
- Woodbury County (12)
- Palo Alto County (1)
- Pocahontas County (1)
Put the next Students First ESA window in your calendar
Open now, until November 15, 2026 Iowa Students First ESA: 2026-27 half-year ESA application window.
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