For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public preschools serving 226 students in Howard County, IA.
The top-ranked public preschool in Howard County, IA is Riceville Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Howard County, IA public preschool have an average math proficiency score of 82% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in Howard County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschool average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Howard County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Riceville Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
912 Woodland Ave
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Riceville, IA 50466
(641) 985-2288
Gr: PK-5 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: n/an/a
1135 Canterbury St.
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-5424
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-5424
Gr: PK | 43 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Howard County, IA?
The top-ranked public preschools in Howard County, IA include Riceville Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Howard County?
1 public preschools are located in Howard County.
What is the racial composition of students in Howard County?
Howard County public preschools minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschools average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
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
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
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.