For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 2,459 students in Dallas County, IA. The top-ranked public preschools in Dallas County, IA are Van Meter Elementary School and Perry Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dallas County, IA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 82% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 79% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in Dallas County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public preschool average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Dallas County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Van Meter Elementary School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 93%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
520 1st Ave
Van Meter, IA 50261
(515) 996-2221
Van Meter, IA 50261
(515) 996-2221
Gr: PK-5 | 571 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Perry Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1600 8th Street
Perry, IA 50220
(515) 465-5656
Perry, IA 50220
(515) 465-5656
Gr: PK-5 | 869 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: n/an/a
1608 Grove St.
Adel, IA 50003
(515) 993-4285
Adel, IA 50003
(515) 993-4285
Gr: PK-1 | 413 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: n/an/a
430 Ashowrth Dr
Waukee, IA 50263
(515) 987-5160
Waukee, IA 50263
(515) 987-5160
Gr: PK | 342 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: n/an/a
2200 State Street
Granger, IA 50109
(515) 999-8058
Granger, IA 50109
(515) 999-8058
Gr: PK-1 | 264 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Dallas County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Perry Alternative School (Closed 2007)
Alternative School
1200 18th St
Perry, IA 50220
(515) 465-2997
Perry, IA 50220
(515) 465-2997
Gr: 9-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
1104 Grant St Drawer B
Redfield, IA 50233
(515) 833-2331
Redfield, IA 50233
(515) 833-2331
Gr: PK-1 | 82 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
430 Ashowrth Dr
Waukee, IA 50263
(515) 987-5160
Waukee, IA 50263
(515) 987-5160
Gr: PK | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Woodward-granger Grandwood (Closed 2015)
Special Education School
1251 334th St
Woodward, IA 50276
(515) 438-3240
Woodward, IA 50276
(515) 438-3240
Gr: K-12 | 41 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Dallas County, IA?
The top-ranked public preschools in Dallas County, IA include Van Meter Elementary School and Perry Elementary School. Dallas County has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Iowa.
How many public preschools are located in Dallas County?
5 public preschools are located in Dallas County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dallas County?
Dallas County public preschools minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public preschools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Dallas County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Dallas County include: Adel Elementary School vs. Van Meter Elementary School, Van Meter Elementary School vs. Adel Elementary School
Recent Articles
Transitioning to High School: A Family Guide
Learn how to prepare for high school with practical tips for families before freshman year, from academics to social readiness.
School Vouchers 2026: Updated Pros and Cons
Explore school vouchers in 2026, including updated pros, cons, policy changes, and what families should know before choosing.
Transitioning to Middle School: Summer Planning Guide
A practical 2026 summer planning guide to help parents support a smooth middle school transition for their child.