For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 2,459 students in Dallas County, IA. The top-ranked public preschools in Dallas County, IA are Van Meter Elementary School and Perry Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dallas County, IA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 82% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 79% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in Dallas County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public preschool average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Dallas County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Van Meter Elementary School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 93%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
520 1st Ave
Van Meter, IA 50261
(515) 996-2221
Van Meter, IA 50261
(515) 996-2221
Gr: PK-5 | 578 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Perry Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1600 8th Street
Perry, IA 50220
(515) 465-5656
Perry, IA 50220
(515) 465-5656
Gr: PK-5 | 816 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: n/an/a
1608 Grove St.
Adel, IA 50003
(515) 993-4285
Adel, IA 50003
(515) 993-4285
Gr: PK-1 | 403 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: n/an/a
430 Ashowrth Dr
Waukee, IA 50263
(515) 987-5160
Waukee, IA 50263
(515) 987-5160
Gr: PK | 348 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: n/an/a
2200 State Street
Granger, IA 50109
(515) 999-8058
Granger, IA 50109
(515) 999-8058
Gr: PK-1 | 253 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Dallas County, IA?
The top-ranked public preschools in Dallas County, IA include Van Meter Elementary School and Perry Elementary School. Dallas County has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Iowa.
How many public preschools are located in Dallas County?
5 public preschools are located in Dallas County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dallas County?
Dallas County public preschools minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public preschools average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Dallas County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Dallas County include: Adel Elementary School vs. Van Meter 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.