Best Urbandale Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 5,610 students in Urbandale, IA (there are 3 private schools, serving 1,456 private students). 77% of all K-12 students in Urbandale, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Urbandale, IA are Walnut Hills Elementary School, Webster Elementary School and Radiant Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Urbandale, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 75% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 75% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Urbandale have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Urbandale, IA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Walnut Hills Elementary School
(Math: 96% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
4240 156th St
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 987-3585
Gr: K-5 | 708 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #22.
Webster Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
12955 Aurora Avenue
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 331-8600
Gr: PK-5 | 519 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #33.
Radiant Elementary School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
5050 170th St
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 987-5161
Gr: K-5 | 273 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #44.
Karen Acres Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
3500 74th St
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 457-5700
Gr: K-5 | 233 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #55.
Urbandale Middle School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
7701 Aurora Avenue
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 457-6600
Gr: 6-8 | 892 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #66.
Urbandale High School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
7111 Aurora Avenue
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 457-6800
Gr: 9-12 | 1,301 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #77.
Olmsted Elementary School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
7110 Prairie Avenue
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 457-5100
Gr: PK-5 | 622 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: n/an/a
3305 92nd St
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 457-6500
Gr: PK-5 | 598 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: n/an/a
5635 156th St
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 987-5161
Gr: K-5 | 464 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 24%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Urbandale, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Urbandale, IA include Walnut Hills Elementary School, Webster Elementary School and Radiant Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Urbandale?
9 public schools are located in Urbandale.
What percentage of students in Urbandale go to public school?
77% of all K-12 students in Urbandale are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Urbandale?
Urbandale public schools minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.

Quick Links