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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Story County Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 2,576 students in Story County, IA. The top-ranked public preschools in Story County, IA are Central Elementary School, Roland-story Elementary School and Colo-nesco Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Story County, IA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 87% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 78% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in Story County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschool average of 28% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in Story County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 90% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
925 H Ave
Nevada, IA 50201
(515) 382-2383
Gr: PK-4 | 632 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
Roland-story Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
900 Hillcrest Dr
Story City, IA 50248
(515) 733-4386
Gr: PK-4 | 446 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Colo-nesco Elementary School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
407 N Center
Zearing, IA 50278
(641) 487-7411
Gr: PK-4 | 169 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #44.
Collins-maxwell Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
416 Fourth Avenue
Collins, IA 50055
(641) 385-2446
Gr: PK-5 | 182 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: n/an/a
Ballard West Elementary School
105 E Main St
Slater, IA 50244
(515) 228-3890
Gr: PK-2 | 451 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: n/an/a
Gilbert Elementary School
109 Rothmoor
Gilbert, IA 50105
(515) 232-3744
Gr: PK-2 | 409 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
Northwood Pre-school
3012 Duff Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 268-2470
Gr: PK | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 42%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Story County, IA?
The top-ranked public preschools in Story County, IA include Central Elementary School, Roland-story Elementary School and Colo-nesco Elementary School. Story County has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Iowa.
How many public preschools are located in Story County?
7 public preschools are located in Story County.
What is the racial composition of students in Story County?
Story County public preschools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschools average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Story County are often viewed compared to one another?

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