Serving 443 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Cunningham School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 443 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 93%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Cunningham School serves the north part of Waterloo, IA, covering an area of approximately 6.1 square miles. Families typically have a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 1.9 miles from the school to the nearest edge of the attendance zone, extending up to 5.3 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Cunningham School's student population of 443 students has grown by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
443 students
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
If it is to be...it is up to me!
School Rankings
Cunningham School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cunningham School is 0.63, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1155 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
11%
14%
Black
58%
7%
White
7%
70%
Hawaiian
9%
1%
Two or more races
14%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)34.1%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
81%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cunningham School's ranking?
Cunningham School is ranked #1155 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Cunningham School often compared to?
Cunningham Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lincoln Elementary School, East High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Cunningham School?
443 students attend Cunningham School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
58% of Cunningham School students are Black, 14% of students are Two or more races, 11% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Hawaiian, 7% of students are White, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cunningham School?
Cunningham School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Cunningham School offer ?
Cunningham School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Cunningham School part of?
Cunningham School is part of Waterloo Comm School District.
School Reviews
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