For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public preschools serving 3,020 students in Iowa City, IA.
The top ranked public preschools in Iowa City, IA are Bohumil Shimek Elementary School, Horace Mann Elementary School and Helen Lemme Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Iowa City, IA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 64% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in Iowa City have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public preschool average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Iowa City, IA (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Bohumil Shimek Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1400 Grissel Place
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 688-1160
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 688-1160
Grades: PK-6
| 206 students
Rank: #22.
Horace Mann Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
521 N Dodge St
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 688-1145
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 688-1145
Grades: PK-6
| 229 students
Rank: #33.
Helen Lemme Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3100 Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 688-1125
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 688-1125
Grades: PK-6
| 371 students
Rank: #44.
Herbert Hoover Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1355 Barrington Rd
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 688-1110
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 688-1110
Grades: PK-6
| 515 students
Rank: #55.
Robert Lucas Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
830 Southlawn Dr
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 688-1140
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 688-1140
Grades: PK-6
| 274 students
Rank: #66.
Ernest Horn Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
600 Koser Ave
Iowa City, IA 52246
(319) 688-1115
Iowa City, IA 52246
(319) 688-1115
Grades: PK-6
| 430 students
Rank: #77.
Alexander Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3571 Sycamore St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 688-1095
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 688-1095
Grades: PK-6
| 363 students
Rank: #88.
Mark Twain Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1355 Deforest Avenue
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 688-1165
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 688-1165
Grades: PK-6
| 241 students
Rank: #99.
Grant Wood Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1930 Lakeside Dr
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 688-1180
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 688-1180
Grades: PK-6
| 391 students
Iowa City, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
2200 E Court St
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 688-1110
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 688-1110
Grades: PK-6
| 297 students
611 Greenwood Dr
Iowa City, IA 52246
(319) 688-1155
Iowa City, IA 52246
(319) 688-1155
Grades: PK-6
| 289 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Iowa City, IA?
The top ranked public preschools in Iowa City, IA include Bohumil Shimek Elementary School, Horace Mann Elementary School and Helen Lemme Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Iowa City?
9 public preschools are located in Iowa City.
What is the racial composition of students in Iowa City?
Iowa City public preschools minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public preschools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Iowa City are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Iowa City include: Robert Lucas Elementary School vs. Helen Lemme Elementary School, Alexander Elementary School vs. Grant Wood Elementary School, Helen Lemme Elementary School vs. Robert Lucas Elementary School
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