For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 2,333 students in Waterloo, IA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Waterloo, IA are Hoover Middle School, Central Middle School and George Washington Carver Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waterloo, IA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the Iowa public middle school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 71% statewide average). Middle schools in Waterloo have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public middle school average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Waterloo, IA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hoover Middle School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
630 Hillcrest Rd
Waterloo, IA 50701
(319) 433-2830
Waterloo, IA 50701
(319) 433-2830
Gr: 6-8 | 848 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #22.
Central Middle School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1350 Katoski Dr
Waterloo, IA 50701
(319) 433-2100
Waterloo, IA 50701
(319) 433-2100
Gr: 6-8 | 469 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #33.
George Washington Carver Academy
(Math: 47% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1505 Logan Ave
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-2500
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-2500
Gr: 6-8 | 455 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #44.
Expo Alternative Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1410 Independence Ave
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-1930
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-1930
Gr: 6-12 | 561 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Waterloo, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Waterloo, IA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Waterloo, IA include Hoover Middle School, Central Middle School and George Washington Carver Academy.
How many public middle schools are located in Waterloo?
4 public middle schools are located in Waterloo.
What is the racial composition of students in Waterloo?
Waterloo public middle schools minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public middle schools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Waterloo are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Waterloo include: Central Middle School vs. Hoover Middle School, Hoover Middle School vs. Central Middle School, George Washington Carver Academy vs. Central Middle School
Recent Articles
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
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
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.