For the 2026 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 Public Preschools in Waterloo, IA (2026)
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 Public 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, Lincoln Elementary School vs. Cunningham School
Recent Articles
Multilingual Learner Growth Models & Accountability
Learn how multilingual learner growth models are reshaping school accountability systems and what it means for public schools in 2026.
School-Based Health Clinics: Funding, Billing, and Student Access
Learn how school-based health clinics are funded, how billing works, and how students access care in public schools.
Outdoor Learning in Urban Schools: Forest School Programs
Explore how urban districts adopt outdoor learning and forest school programs to boost student engagement, well-being, and academic success.