For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 931 students in Cherokee County, IA.
The top-ranked public preschools in Cherokee County, IA are Mmcru Marcus Elementary School, Aurelia Elementary School and Cherokee Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cherokee County, IA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 78% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 64% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in Cherokee County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% 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 Cherokee County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mmcru Marcus Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
500 E Fenton St
Marcus, IA 51035
(712) 376-2615
Marcus, IA 51035
(712) 376-2615
Gr: PK-4 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Aurelia Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
300 Ash St
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Gr: PK-4 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #33.
Cherokee Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
204 E. Indian Street
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6760
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6760
Gr: PK-4 | 468 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #44.
River Valley Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
100 South 5th St
Washta, IA 51061
(712) 447-6318
Washta, IA 51061
(712) 447-6318
Gr: PK-5 | 154 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Cherokee County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
300 Ash St
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Aurelia, IA 51005
(712) 434-5595
Gr: 9-12 | 69 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
400 N Roosevelt
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6774
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6774
Gr: PK | 59 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
Little Sioux Success Center (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
600 West Bluff St
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6755
Cherokee, IA 51012
(712) 225-6755
Gr: 11-12 | 5 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
200 Campbell St., 200 Campbell
Cleghorn, IA 51014
(712) 436-2244
Cleghorn, IA 51014
(712) 436-2244
Gr: 4-6 | 91 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
500 E Fenton St, 500 E Fenton
Marcus, IA 51035
(712) 376-2615
Marcus, IA 51035
(712) 376-2615
Gr: PK-3 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Cherokee County, IA?
The top-ranked public preschools in Cherokee County, IA include Mmcru Marcus Elementary School, Aurelia Elementary School and Cherokee Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Cherokee County?
4 public preschools are located in Cherokee County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cherokee County?
Cherokee 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).
Recent Articles
The School Choice Comparison Worksheet: 15 Factors Beyond Test Scores
Compare public schools with confidence using this 15-factor worksheet that looks beyond test scores to school culture, programs, safety, and student support.
Boundary Changes and Rezoning: How to Protect Your Child's School Plan
Learn why school boundary changes happen, how rezoning affects families, and the practical steps parents can take to protect their child's educational plan.
Teacher Turnover: How to Read the Warning Signs
Learn how to identify warning signs of teacher turnover, what causes frequent staff changes, and how parents can evaluate school stability.
