For the 2026 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 28% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Benton County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Shellsburg Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
203 Tomahawk Trail
Shellsburg, IA 52332
(319) 436-4728
Shellsburg, IA 52332
(319) 436-4728
Gr: PK-5 | 269 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #2 - 42. - 4.
Atkins Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
217 4th Ave
Atkins, IA 52206
(319) 446-7525
Atkins, IA 52206
(319) 446-7525
Gr: PK-3 | 394 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #2 - 42. - 4.
Longfellow Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
707 7th St
Belle Plaine, IA 52208
(319) 444-3002
Belle Plaine, IA 52208
(319) 444-3002
Gr: PK-6 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #2 - 42. - 4.
Tilford Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
308 E 13th St
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Gr: PK-4 | 544 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #55.
Keystone Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
280 4th St
Keystone, IA 52249
(319) 442-3221
Keystone, IA 52249
(319) 442-3221
Gr: PK-3 | 176 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Benton County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
600 1st Street
Van Horne, IA 52346
(319) 228-8701
Van Horne, IA 52346
(319) 228-8701
Gr: 9-12 | 14 students Minority enrollment: 7%
503 3rd Ave
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Gr: 3-4 | 164 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
101 3rd Ave, 101 3rd Ave
Van Horne, IA 52346
(319) 228-8701
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
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 28% (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
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.