For the 2026 school year, there is 1 public preschool serving 226 students in Howard County, IA.
The top-ranked public preschool in Howard County, IA is Riceville Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Howard County, IA public preschool have an average math proficiency score of 82% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in Howard County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschool average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Howard County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Riceville Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
912 Woodland Ave
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Gr: PK-5 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Howard County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1135 Canterbury St.
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-5424
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-5424
Gr: PK | 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
1000 4th Ave East
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2300
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2300
Gr: 6-8 | 204 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Crestwood Alternative School (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
205 3rd Ave West
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2310
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-2310
Gr: 9-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
120 W. Jackson, 120 W. Jackson
Lime Springs, IA 52155
(563) 566-2221
Lime Springs, IA 52155
(563) 566-2221
Gr: PK | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Howard County, IA?
The top-ranked public preschools in Howard County, IA include Riceville Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Howard County?
1 public preschools are located in Howard County.
What is the racial composition of students in Howard County?
Howard County public preschools minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
The Experience of Being a New Student Mid-Year
Learn what students experience when transferring to a public school mid-year and how schools help new students adjust socially and academically.
How Public Schools Structure Free Periods or Study Time
Learn how public schools structure free periods or study time to support homework, tutoring, enrichment, and student independence.
The Role of Hallways, Common Areas, and Shared Spaces in Public Schools
Discover how hallways, cafeterias, libraries, and shared spaces shape student learning, safety, and school culture in public schools.