For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 3,412 students in Waterloo, IA.
The top ranked public preschools in Waterloo, IA are Orange Elementary School, Highland Elementary School and Kittrell Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waterloo, IA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 61% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in Waterloo have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public preschool average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Preschools in Waterloo, IA (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Orange Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
5805 Kimball Ave
Waterloo, IA 50701
(319) 433-2880
Waterloo, IA 50701
(319) 433-2880
Gr: PK-5 | 507 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #22.
Highland Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
812 Idaho St
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-2630
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-2630
Gr: PK-5 | 462 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #33.
Kittrell Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1304 Oregon St
Waterloo, IA 50702
(319) 433-2910
Waterloo, IA 50702
(319) 433-2910
Gr: PK-5 | 613 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #44.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
302 Cedar Bend St
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-1990
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-1990
Gr: PK-5 | 492 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #55.
Lowell Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1628 Washington St
Waterloo, IA 50702
(319) 433-1900
Waterloo, IA 50702
(319) 433-1900
Gr: PK-5 | 480 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #66.
Fred Becker Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1239 Sheldon St
Waterloo, IA 50701
(319) 433-2180
Waterloo, IA 50701
(319) 433-2180
Gr: PK-5 | 457 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #77.
Cunningham School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1224 Mobile St
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-2600
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-2600
Gr: PK-5 | 401 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Waterloo, Iowa ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Expo High School (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
927 Franklin
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-1930
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-1930
Gr: 9-12
1913 Heath St
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 235-5557
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 235-5557
Gr: PK | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
200 E Arlington St
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 291-4883
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 291-4883
Gr: K-5 | 79 students Minority enrollment: 64%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Waterloo, IA?
The top ranked public preschools in Waterloo, IA include Orange Elementary School, Highland Elementary School and Kittrell Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Waterloo?
7 public preschools are located in Waterloo.
What is the racial composition of students in Waterloo?
Waterloo public preschools minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public preschools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Waterloo are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Waterloo include: Lincoln Elementary School vs. Fred Becker Elementary School, Cunningham School vs. Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell Elementary School vs. Highland Elementary School
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