For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 2,101 students in Marion County, IA.
The top-ranked public preschools in Marion County, IA are Lincoln Elementary School, Madison Elementary School and Pleasantville Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Marion County, IA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 72% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in Marion County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschool average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Marion County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1111 North Main Street
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-3970
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-3970
Gr: PK-3 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #22.
Madison Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
950 E. University St.
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-4638
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-4638
Gr: PK-3 | 401 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Pleasantville Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
414 Jones St
Pleasantville, IA 50225
(515) 848-0566
Pleasantville, IA 50225
(515) 848-0566
Gr: PK-6 | 456 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
Melcher-dallas Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1003 E Park St
Melcher Dallas, IA 50062
(641) 947-3151
Melcher Dallas, IA 50062
(641) 947-3151
Gr: PK-6 | 157 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #55.
Twin Cedars Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2204 Highway G71
Bussey, IA 50044
(641) 944-5245
Bussey, IA 50044
(641) 944-5245
Gr: PK-6 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: n/an/a
1050 E University St
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-1944
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-1944
Gr: PK | 137 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: n/an/a
306 S Park Lane Dr
Knoxville, IA 50138
(641) 842-2185
Knoxville, IA 50138
(641) 842-2185
Gr: PK-2 | 485 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Marion County, IA?
The top-ranked public preschools in Marion County, IA include Lincoln Elementary School, Madison Elementary School and Pleasantville Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Marion County?
6 public preschools are located in Marion County.
What is the racial composition of students in Marion County?
Marion County public preschools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschools average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Marion County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Marion County include: Madison Elementary School vs. Lincoln Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School vs. Madison Elementary School, West Elementary School vs. Pleasantville Elementary School
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.