For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 3,487 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 67% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public preschool average of 28% (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 | 518 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
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 | 448 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
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 | 576 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
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 | 463 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
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 | 538 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
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 | 501 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
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 | 443 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
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 67% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public preschools average of 28% (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, Fred Becker Elementary School vs. Lincoln Elementary School
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