For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 1,553 students in Wapello County, IA.
The top-ranked public preschools in Wapello County, IA are Eddyville Elementary School, Blakesburg Elementary School and Cardinal Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Wapello County, IA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 67% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 62% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in Wapello County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschool average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Wapello County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Eddyville Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
702 Vance Street
Eddyville, IA 52553
(641) 969-4281
Eddyville, IA 52553
(641) 969-4281
Gr: PK-6 | 277 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Blakesburg Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
407 S Wilson
Blakesburg, IA 52536
(641) 938-2203
Blakesburg, IA 52536
(641) 938-2203
Gr: PK-6 | 97 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #33.
Cardinal Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
5414 Hwy 16
Eldon, IA 52554
(641) 652-3591
Eldon, IA 52554
(641) 652-3591
Gr: PK-4 | 529 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #44.
Ottumwa Virtual Learning
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1112 N Van Buren
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-6597
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-6597
Gr: PK-12 | 57 students Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: n/an/a
1306 W Williams
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-7179
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-7179
Gr: PK-K | 593 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Wapello County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
608 East Williams
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-7179
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-7179
Gr: PK-5 | 257 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Alternative School Ottumwa Community School District (Closed 2005)
Alternative School
907 Gateway Dr
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 683-1342
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 683-1342
Gr: 9-12 | 100 students Minority enrollment: 8%
Eddyville Alternative School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
1301 Berdan St
Blakesburg, IA 52536
(641) 969-4288
Blakesburg, IA 52536
(641) 969-4288
Gr: 9-12 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
407 South Wilson
Blakesburg, IA 52536
(641) 938-2203
Blakesburg, IA 52536
(641) 938-2203
Gr: 7-8
1306 West Williams
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-4502
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-4502
Gr: PK-5 | 258 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
438 Mckinley
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 683-1843
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 683-1843
Gr: K-5 | 348 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Wapello County, IA?
The top-ranked public preschools in Wapello County, IA include Eddyville Elementary School, Blakesburg Elementary School and Cardinal Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Wapello County?
5 public preschools are located in Wapello County.
What is the racial composition of students in Wapello County?
Wapello County public preschools minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.