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Gardner Elementary School (Ranked Top 20% for 2026) - Waterloo, IL

Gardner Elementary School

1 Ed Gardner Pl
Waterloo, IL 62298
(School attendance zone shown in map)
9/
10
Top 20%
Serving 374 students in grades 4-5, Gardner Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 42% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 4-5
  • Enrollment: 374 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 6%
  • : Top 20% in IL
  • : 42% (Top 20%)
  • : 45% (Top 20%)
  • : 65-69% (Top 20%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Gardner Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:

Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

School Overview

Gardner Elementary School's student population of 374 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 4-5
Total Students
374 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Blue and Gold

School Rankings

Gardner Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Gardner Elementary School is 0.12, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (IL)
#618 out of 3542 schools
(Top 20%)
42%
27%
45%
30%
65-69%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
Hispanic
3%
29%
Black
1%
16%
White
94%
45%
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
0.12
Eligible for Free Lunch
18%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gardner Elementary School's ranking?
Gardner Elementary School is ranked #618 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
42% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 45% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Gardner Elementary School?
374 students attend Gardner Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
94% of Gardner Elementary School students are White, 3% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Gardner Elementary School?
Gardner Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Gardner Elementary School offer ?
Gardner Elementary School offers enrollment in grades 4-5
What school district is Gardner Elementary School part of?
Gardner Elementary School is part of Waterloo CUSD 5 School District.

School Reviews

Review Gardner Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 4-5
  • Enrollment: 374 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 6%
  • : Top 20%
  • : 42% (Top 20%)
  • : 45% (Top 20%)
  • : 65-69% (Top 20%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

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