Serving 460 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Lou Henry Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 68% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 460 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 61%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 70% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 68% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Lou Henry Elementary School serves the west part of Waterloo, IA, covering an attendance zone of approximately 1.8 square miles. Families within this area can typically expect a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 1.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Lou Henry Elementary School's student population of 460 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
460 students
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Year Founded
2005
School Calendar
School Rankings
Lou Henry Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lou Henry Elementary School is 0.70, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#770 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
68%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
7%
3%
Hispanic
8%
14%
Black
38%
7%
White
39%
70%
Hawaiian
2%
1%
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)23.5%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
49%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
17%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Little Hawks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lou Henry Elementary School's ranking?
Lou Henry Elementary School is ranked #770 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 68% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Lou Henry Elementary School?
460 students attend Lou Henry Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Lou Henry Elementary School students are White, 38% of students are Black, 8% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Asian, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lou Henry Elementary School?
Lou Henry Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Lou Henry Elementary School offer ?
Lou Henry Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lou Henry Elementary School part of?
Lou Henry Elementary School is part of Waterloo Comm School District.
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