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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Waterloo Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,767 students in Waterloo, IL (there are 2 private schools, serving 538 private students). 83% of all K-12 students in Waterloo, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Waterloo, IL are Rogers Elementary School, Waterloo Junior High School and Gardner Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waterloo, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Waterloo have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Waterloo, IL (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Rogers Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
200 Rogers St
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-3454
Gr: 2-3 | 417 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Waterloo Junior High School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
200 Bellefontaine Dr
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-3457
Gr: 6-8 | 613 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
Gardner Elementary School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1 Ed Gardner Pl
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-3060
Gr: 4-5 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
Waterloo High School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
505 E Bulldog
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-3455
Gr: 9-12 | 876 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: n/an/a
W J Zahnow Elementary School
301 Hamacher St
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-3458
Gr: PK-1 | 487 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Waterloo, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Waterloo, IL include Rogers Elementary School, Waterloo Junior High School and Gardner Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Waterloo?
5 public schools are located in Waterloo.
What percentage of students in Waterloo go to public school?
83% of all K-12 students in Waterloo are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Waterloo?
Waterloo public schools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

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