For the 2025-26 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 3,304 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 57% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public high school average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Waterloo, IA (2025-26)
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 | 1,713 student Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
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 | 1,013 student Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
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 | 578 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Waterloo, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Expo High School (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
927 Franklin
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-1930
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-1930
Gr: 9-12
1913 Heath St
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 235-5557
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 235-5557
Gr: PK | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
200 E Arlington St
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 291-4883
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 291-4883
Gr: K-5 | 79 students Minority enrollment: 64%
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 57% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public high schools average of 27% (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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