For the 2025 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 2,576 students in Story County, IA. The top ranked public preschools in Story County, IA are Central Elementary School, Roland-story Elementary School and Colo-nesco Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Story County, IA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 87% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 78% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in Story County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschool average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Story County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 90% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
925 H Ave
Nevada, IA 50201
(515) 382-2383
Nevada, IA 50201
(515) 382-2383
Grades: PK-4
| 646 students
Rank: #22.
Roland-story Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
900 Hillcrest Dr
Story City, IA 50248
(515) 733-4386
Story City, IA 50248
(515) 733-4386
Grades: PK-4
| 464 students
Rank: #33.
Colo-nesco Elementary School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
407 N Center
Zearing, IA 50278
(641) 487-7411
Zearing, IA 50278
(641) 487-7411
Grades: PK-4
| 164 students
Rank: #44.
Collins-maxwell Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
416 Fourth Avenue
Collins, IA 50055
(641) 385-2446
Collins, IA 50055
(641) 385-2446
Grades: PK-5
| 189 students
Rank: n/an/a
105 E Main St
Slater, IA 50244
(515) 228-3890
Slater, IA 50244
(515) 228-3890
Grades: PK-2
| 456 students
Rank: n/an/a
109 Rothmoor
Gilbert, IA 50105
(515) 232-3744
Gilbert, IA 50105
(515) 232-3744
Grades: PK-2
| 408 students
Rank: n/an/a
3012 Duff Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 268-2470
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 268-2470
Grades: PK-K
| 249 students
Story County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
400 Latrobe
Mc Callsburg, IA 50154
(515) 434-2302
Mc Callsburg, IA 50154
(515) 434-2302
Grades: PK-K
| 26 students
919 West St, 919 West St
Colo, IA 50056
(641) 377-2284
Colo, IA 50056
(641) 377-2284
Grades: 5-6
| 66 students
400 Latrobe
Mc Callsburg, IA 50154
(515) 434-2302
Mc Callsburg, IA 50154
(515) 434-2302
Grades: PK-2
| 53 students
919 West St
Colo, IA 50056
(641) 377-2282
Colo, IA 50056
(641) 377-2282
Grades: PK-2
| 70 students
415 Stanton Ave
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3755
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3755
Grades: K
| 38 students
601 28th St
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3780
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3780
Grades: K-6
| 225 students
921 9th St
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3785
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-3785
Grades: K-6
| 273 students
Xcel High School (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
1921 Ames High Dr
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 817-0635
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 817-0635
Grades: 9-12
| 16 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Story County, IA?
The top ranked public preschools in Story County, IA include Central Elementary School, Roland-story Elementary School and Colo-nesco Elementary School. Story County has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in Iowa.
How many public preschools are located in Story County?
7 public preschools are located in Story County.
What is the racial composition of students in Story County?
Story County public preschools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Story County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Story County include: Colo-nesco Elementary School vs. Roland-story Elementary School, Collins-maxwell Elementary School vs. Roland-story Elementary School, Colo-nesco Elementary School vs. Ballard West Elementary School
Recent Articles

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.

Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.

Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.