Best Benton County Public Preschools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 1,666 students in Benton County, IA.
The top-ranked public preschools in Benton County, IA are Shellsburg Elementary School, Atkins Elementary School and Longfellow Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Benton County, IA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 77% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in Benton County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschool average of 27% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in Benton County (2025-26)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Shellsburg Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
203 Tomahawk Trail
Shellsburg, IA 52332
(319) 436-4728
Gr: PK-5 | 250 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #2 - 42. - 4.
Atkins Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
217 4th Ave
Atkins, IA 52206
(319) 446-7525
Gr: PK-3 | 398 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #2 - 42. - 4.
Longfellow Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
707 7th St
Belle Plaine, IA 52208
(319) 444-3002
Gr: PK-6 | 287 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #2 - 42. - 4.
Tilford Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
308 E 13th St
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Gr: PK-4 | 558 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #55.
Keystone Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
280 4th St
Keystone, IA 52249
(319) 442-3221
Gr: PK-3 | 173 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Benton County, IA

Benton County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
600 1st Street
Van Horne, IA 52346
(319) 228-8701
Gr: 9-12 | 14 students Minority enrollment: 7%
807 16th St
Belle Plaine, IA 52208
(319) 444-3137
Gr: 2-6
503 3rd Ave
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Gr: 3-4 | 164 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
1509 9th Ave
Belle Plaine, IA 52208
(319) 444-3631
Gr: 7-8
101 3rd Ave, 101 3rd Ave
Van Horne, IA 52346
(319) 228-8701
Gr: PK-2 | 123 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
516 W 9th St
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Gr: PK-2 | 321 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Benton County, IA?
The top-ranked public preschools in Benton County, IA include Shellsburg Elementary School, Atkins Elementary School and Longfellow Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Benton County?
5 public preschools are located in Benton County.
What is the racial composition of students in Benton County?
Benton County public preschools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Benton County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Benton County include: Longfellow Elementary School vs. Shellsburg Elementary School

Recent Articles

Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide for Parents
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide for Parents
Learn what to ask at a public school open house during enrollment season, from academics to safety, to choose the right school for your child.
School Zoning Changes 2026: How Assignments May Shift
School Zoning Changes 2026: How Assignments May Shift
School Zoning Changes 2026 could affect your child’s school assignment. Learn how zoning works, what is changing, and how families can prepare.
School Vouchers: Updated Pros and Cons (2025 Review)
School Vouchers: Updated Pros and Cons (2025 Review)
Comprehensive 2025 analysis of school vouchers, weighing benefits and challenges for families, funding, outcomes, and policy directions.

Quick Links