For the 2026-27 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,767 students in Waterloo, IL (there are 2 private schools, serving 519 private students). 84% 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 (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Rogers Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
200 Rogers St
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-3454
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:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
200 Bellefontaine Dr
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-3457
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:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1 Ed Gardner Pl
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-3060
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:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
505 E Bulldog
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-3455
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-3455
Gr: 9-12 | 876 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: n/an/a
301 Hamacher St
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-3458
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?
84% 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).
Which public schools in Waterloo are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Waterloo include: Gardner Elementary School vs. Rogers Elementary School, Rogers Elementary School vs. Gardner Elementary School, Rogers Elementary School vs. W J Zahnow Elementary School
Recent Articles
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.