Harlan Community Middle School

Located at 2108 Durant Street, in Harlan, Iowa, Harlan Community Middle School is a low-enrollment junior high that caters to 335 students (grades 6 through 8), overseen by Harlan Comm School District.

Across the 4 schools in Harlan Comm School District (1,472 students total), Harlan Community Middle School accounts for its share of the district's footprint.

Demographically, Harlan Community Middle School logs that nearly all students (89%) are White; the rest looks like 7% Hispanic, 3% multiracial. That composition is broadly in line with Shelby County as a whole.

In terms of school funding signals, On paper, Harlan Community Middle School has 22 full-time-equivalent teachers, translating to a class-load average of around 15.5:1. That tracks the state average closely. Around 38% of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, a number frequently used as a low-income enrollment indicator.

On a demographically-adjusted basis, Harlan Community Middle School is in the OUTPERFORMING tier of the BeatsExpectations model, which fits a per-state line through proficiency and FRL share. Schools with this campus's poverty mix typically land near 72.8%; this one delivers 82.5%, a residual of +9.7 points.

In the surrounding community, ACS estimates for Shelby County put the typical household earns roughly $72,738 per year, 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and census figures put the poverty rate at about 8%. Harlan Community Middle School is one of 6 public schools in Shelby County (combined enrollment of about 1,877 students).

The closest other public school is Harlan High School, roughly 0.1 miles away. Within five miles, there are 3 other public schools. Ranking that nearby cluster on reported proficiency puts Harlan Community Middle School at 1st of 7; the average score across the group is 76.1%.

Geographically, the school is in a town-center area.

Over the past 7-year window. Looking back 7 years, enrollment at Harlan Community Middle School has edged down 5%, going from 353 students in 2018 to 335 in 2025. Over the same period, the White share edged down from 93% to 89%.

On allk12, members of the Harlan Community Middle School community share and discuss pickup logistics, teacher feedback, and after-school programs. Parents, students, alumni, and staff are welcome to weigh in.