Best Benton County Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 1,666 students in Benton County, IA.
The top-ranked public preschools in Benton County, IA are Shellsburg Elementary School, Atkins Elementary School and Longfellow Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Benton County, IA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 77% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in Benton County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschool average of 28% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in Benton County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Shellsburg Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
203 Tomahawk Trail
Shellsburg, IA 52332
(319) 436-4728
Gr: PK-5 | 269 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #2 - 42. - 4.
Atkins Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
217 4th Ave
Atkins, IA 52206
(319) 446-7525
Gr: PK-3 | 394 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #2 - 42. - 4.
Longfellow Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
707 7th St
Belle Plaine, IA 52208
(319) 444-3002
Gr: PK-6 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #2 - 42. - 4.
Tilford Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
308 E 13th St
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Gr: PK-4 | 544 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #55.
Keystone Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
280 4th St
Keystone, IA 52249
(319) 442-3221
Gr: PK-3 | 176 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Benton County, IA?
The top-ranked public preschools in Benton County, IA include Shellsburg Elementary School, Atkins Elementary School and Longfellow Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Benton County?
5 public preschools are located in Benton County.
What is the racial composition of students in Benton County?
Benton County public preschools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschools average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Benton County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Benton County include: Longfellow Elementary School vs. Shellsburg Elementary School

Recent Articles

When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.

Quick Links