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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Cedar Falls Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 5,853 students in Cedar Falls, IA (there are 3 private schools, serving 412 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Cedar Falls, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%). Cedar Falls has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Iowa.
The top-ranked public schools in Cedar Falls, IA are Bess Streeter Aldrich Elementary School, Helen A Hansen Elementary School and Southdale Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cedar Falls, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 81% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 82% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Cedar Falls have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Cedar Falls, IA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Bess Streeter Aldrich Elementary School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
2526 Ashworth Drive
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 553-2901
Gr: PK-6 | 472 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #22.
Helen A Hansen Elementary School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 88%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
616 Holmes Dr
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 553-2775
Gr: PK-6 | 569 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #33.
Southdale Elementary School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 90%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
627 Orchard Dr
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 553-2900
Gr: PK-6 | 539 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #44.
Peet Junior High School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
525 E Seerley Blvd
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 553-2710
Gr: 7-9 | 695 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #55.
Holmes Junior High School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
505 Holmes Dr
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 553-2650
Gr: 7-9 | 628 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #66.
Cedar Falls High School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
2701 W 27th St
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 553-2500
Gr: 10-12 | 1,333 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #77.
Orchard Hill Elementary School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
3909 Rownd St
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 553-2465
Gr: PK-6 | 458 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #88.
North Cedar Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
2419 Fern Ave
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 553-2810
Gr: PK-6 | 292 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #99.
Cedar Heights Elementary School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2417 Rainbow Dr
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 553-2855
Gr: PK-6 | 451 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #1010.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
321 8th Street
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 553-2950
Gr: PK-6 | 416 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 21%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Cedar Falls, IA?
How many public schools are located in Cedar Falls?
10 public schools are located in Cedar Falls.
What percentage of students in Cedar Falls go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Cedar Falls are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Cedar Falls?
Cedar Falls public schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Cedar Falls are often viewed compared to one another?

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