For the 2024-25 school year, there are 36 public preschools serving 16,129 students in Polk County, IA.
The top ranked public preschools in Polk County, IA are Henry A Wallace Elementary School, Webster Elementary School and Mitchellville Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, IA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 71% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 70% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public preschool average of 26% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Polk County (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Henry A Wallace Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 90% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
6207 Nw 62nd Ave
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 278-6977
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 278-6977
Grades: PK-5
| 876 students
Rank: #22.
Webster Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
12955 Aurora Avenue
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 331-8600
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 331-8600
Grades: PK-5
| 510 students
Rank: #33.
Mitchellville Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
308 Elm Ave Nw
Mitchellville, IA 50169
(515) 967-4274
Mitchellville, IA 50169
(515) 967-4274
Grades: PK-5
| 242 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
North Polk West Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1400 W Broadway
Polk City, IA 50226
(515) 984-3400
Polk City, IA 50226
(515) 984-3400
Grades: PK-2
| 426 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Runnells Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6575 Se 116th Street
Runnells, IA 50237
(515) 966-2068
Runnells, IA 50237
(515) 966-2068
Grades: PK-5
| 269 students
Rank: #66.
North Polk Central Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
311 Ne 141st Ave
Alleman, IA 50007
(515) 984-3400
Alleman, IA 50007
(515) 984-3400
Grades: PK-5
| 342 students
Rank: #77.
Cowles Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6401 College Ave
Windsor Heights, IA 50324
(515) 242-7818
Windsor Heights, IA 50324
(515) 242-7818
Grades: PK-8
| 391 students
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Altoona Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
301 6th St Sw
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-3771
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-3771
Grades: PK-5
| 419 students
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Heritage Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
500 Ne Beaverbrooke Blvd
Grimes, IA 50111
(515) 300-9627
Grimes, IA 50111
(515) 300-9627
Grades: PK-4
| 586 students
Rank: #1010.
Clay Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3200 First Avenue S.
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-4198
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-4198
Grades: PK-5
| 657 students
Rank: #1111.
Centennial Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
910 7th Ave Se
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-2109
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-2109
Grades: PK-5
| 420 students
Rank: #1212.
Westridge Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
5500 E P True Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 633-5400
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 633-5400
Grades: PK-6
| 748 students
Rank: #1313.
Jordan Creek Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4105 Fuller Rd
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-5200
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-5200
Grades: PK-6
| 647 students
Rank: #1414.
Delaware Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4401 E 46th St
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 262-3197
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 262-3197
Grades: PK-5
| 398 students
Rank: #1515.
Four Mile Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
670 Se 68th St
Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
(515) 265-1972
Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
(515) 265-1972
Grades: PK-5
| 483 students
Rank: #1616.
Rolling Green Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
8100 Airline Avenue
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 457-5900
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 457-5900
Grades: PK-5
| 272 students
Rank: #1717.
Fairmeadows Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
807 23rd St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6500
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6500
Grades: PK-6
| 569 students
Rank: #1818.
Karen Acres Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3500 74th Street
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 457-5700
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 457-5700
Grades: PK-5
| 296 students
Rank: #1919.
Willowbrook Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
300 17th Ave Sw
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-7512
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-7512
Grades: PK-5
| 533 students
Rank: #2020.
Cornell Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
5817 Ne 3rd St
Des Moines, IA 50313
(515) 244-8173
Des Moines, IA 50313
(515) 244-8173
Grades: PK-4
| 527 students
Rank: #2121.
Hillside Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
713 8th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6200
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6200
Grades: PK-6
| 559 students
Rank: #2222.
Western Hills Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
600 39th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-5900
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-5900
Grades: PK-6
| 579 students
Rank: #2323.
Clive Learning Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1600 73rd Street
Windsor Heights, IA 50324
(515) 633-5800
Windsor Heights, IA 50324
(515) 633-5800
Grades: PK-6
| 528 students
Rank: #2424.
Olmsted Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
7110 Prairie Avenue
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 457-5100
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 457-5100
Grades: PK-5
| 662 students
Rank: #2525.
Walnut Street School
Magnet School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
901 Walnut St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-8438
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-8438
Grades: PK-5
| 269 students
Rank: #2626.
Crestview School Of Inquiry
Magnet School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
8355 Franklin Avenue
Clive, IA 50325
(515) 633-5700
Clive, IA 50325
(515) 633-5700
Grades: PK-6
| 574 students
Rank: #2727.
Moulton Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1541 8th Street
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 242-8427
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 242-8427
Grades: PK-5
| 420 students
Rank: #2828.
Mckinley Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1610 Se 6th Street
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8423
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8423
Grades: PK-5
| 285 students
Rank: #2929.
Capitol View Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
320 E. 16th
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8402
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8402
Grades: PK-5
| 505 students
Rank: n/an/a
Jessie Franklin Taylor
Magnet School
1801 16th Street
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 242-8424
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 242-8424
Grades: PK
| 205 students
Rank: n/an/a
Learning Resource Center
Magnet School
3350 Mills Civic Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-5071
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-5071
Grades: PK
| 29 students
Rank: n/an/a
Mckee Elementary School
Magnet School
2115 E 39th St
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 323-8628
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 323-8628
Grades: PK
| 281 students
Rank: n/an/a
Mitchell Early Childhood Center
Magnet School
111 Porter
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 242-8424
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 242-8424
Grades: PK
| 395 students
Rank: n/an/a
Morris Elementary School
Magnet School
600 Garfield St. Sw
Bondurant, IA 50035
(515) 967-6361
Bondurant, IA 50035
(515) 967-6361
Grades: PK-2
| 621 students
Rank: n/an/a
Terrace Learning Center
Magnet School
310 Nw School St
Ankeny, IA 50023
(515) 965-9670
Ankeny, IA 50023
(515) 965-9670
Grades: PK
| 351 students
Show 1 more public schools in Polk County, IA (out of 36 total schools)
Loading...
Polk County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
3720 E 29th St
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 242-8401
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 242-8401
Grades: PK-5
| 337 students
Bridges (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
1800 Grand
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-7552
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-7552
Grades: 6-12
| 25 students
1801 16th St
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 242-8645
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 242-8645
Grades: PK
| 99 students
1020 8th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6300
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6300
Grades: K-6
| 259 students
3353 240th Street
Grimes, IA 50111
(515) 986-9747
Grimes, IA 50111
(515) 986-9747
Grades: 9-12
| 458 students
1800 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Grades: 7-12
| 2 students
1800 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Grades: 6-8
| n/a students
Des Moines Public Charter School (Closed 2013)
Charter School
620 8th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7911
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7911
Grades: 7-9
| 117 students
918 Se 11th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Grades: PK-K
| 15 students
6401 College Ave
Des Moines, IA 50311
(515) 242-7795
Des Moines, IA 50311
(515) 242-7795
Grades: K-5
| 10 students
6401 College Ave
Des Moines, IA 50311
(515) 242-7795
Des Moines, IA 50311
(515) 242-7795
Grades: 6-8
| 21 students
1800 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Grades: 6-12
| 118 students
1000 Porter Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8409
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8409
Grades: PK-5
| 547 students
The Harbor-southeast Polk Alternative School (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
1301 First Ave N
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 957-8811
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 957-8811
Grades: 9-12
| 57 students
800 42nd St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8414
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8414
Grades: K-5
| 309 students
6301 Aurora Avenue
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 457-5100
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 457-5100
Grades: K-5
| 354 students
2115 E 39th Street
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 242-8418
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 242-8418
Grades: PK-5
| 207 students
1001 Amos Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-7588
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-7588
Grades: PK
| n/a students
Metro West Learning Academy (Closed 2005)
Alternative School
11500 Nw 54th Ave
Grimes, IA 50111
(515) 986-3171
Grimes, IA 50111
(515) 986-3171
Grades: 9-12
| 18 students
2905 Ne 46th Ave
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 266-3109
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 266-3109
Grades: 4-5
| 198 students
925 Sw Porter
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 287-9700
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 287-9700
Grades: K-5
| 11 students
Orchard Place School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
5412 Sw 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 287-9700
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 287-9700
Grades: K-12
| 66 students
415 7th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6600
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6600
Grades: PK-3
| 180 students
Ruby Van Meter School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
710 28th St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8220
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8220
Grades: 6-12
| 135 students
Scavo Alternative High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1800 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7589
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7589
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Smouse Opportunity School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
2820 Center St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8210
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8210
Grades: PK-8
| 94 students
310 Nw School St
Ankeny, IA 50021
(515) 965-9670
Ankeny, IA 50021
(515) 965-9670
Grades: PK-5
| n/a students
1401 E 12th St
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8437
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8437
Grades: PK-5
| 368 students
Youth Homes Of Middle America (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
7085 Nw Beaver Dr
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 276-3473
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 276-3473
Grades: 6-12
| 30 students
1101 9th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Grades: PK-K
| 18 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Polk County, IA?
The top ranked public preschools in Polk County, IA include Henry A Wallace Elementary School, Webster Elementary School and Mitchellville Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Polk County?
36 public preschools are located in Polk County.
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public preschools minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public preschools average of 26% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Polk County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Polk County include: Mitchell Early Childhood Center vs. Mckee Elementary School, Willowbrook Elementary School vs. Altoona Elementary School, Centennial Elementary School vs. Altoona Elementary School
Recent Articles
College Application Requirement for High School Graduation? DC Weighs Possibility
The article discusses a proposal in Washington D.C. to make college applications a requirement for high school graduation. It examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a policy, including its impact on graduation rates and college attendance. The piece also considers similar initiatives in other states and the debate surrounding this approach
Bribing Students to Get Good Grades: The Debate
This piece explores the controversial practice of offering monetary rewards to students for good grades. It examines studies conducted in various cities, discussing the effectiveness of such programs and the ethical concerns they raise. The article presents arguments from both supporters and critics of this approach to student motivation.
September 27, 2024
Understanding RubricsThis article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.