For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 3,273 students in Waterloo, IA.
The top-ranked public high schools in Waterloo, IA are West High School, East High School and Expo Alternative Learning Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waterloo, IA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Iowa public high school average of 65%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 71% statewide average). High schools in Waterloo have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public high schools.
Waterloo, IA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 71%, which is less than the Iowa average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is West High School, with 85% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Iowa or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public high school average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Waterloo, IA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
West High School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
425 E Ridgeway Ave
Waterloo, IA 50702
(319) 433-2700
Waterloo, IA 50702
(319) 433-2700
Gr: 9-12 | 1,696 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #22.
East High School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
214 High St
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-2400
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-2400
Gr: 9-12 | 1,016 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #33.
Expo Alternative Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1410 Independence Ave
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-1930
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-1930
Gr: 6-12 | 561 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Waterloo, IA?
The top-ranked public high schools in Waterloo, IA include West High School, East High School and Expo Alternative Learning Center.
How many public high schools are located in Waterloo?
3 public high schools are located in Waterloo.
What is the racial composition of students in Waterloo?
Waterloo public high schools minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public high schools average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Waterloo are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Waterloo include: West High School vs. East High School, East High School vs. West High School, Expo Alternative Learning Center vs. East High School
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