Photo: self · CC BY-SA 2.5Waterloo’s public schools score below 78% of Wisconsin districts on tests and graduation
In Waterloo, 25% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Wisconsin average (39%). The grade covers the public school district serving Waterloo, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Wisconsin, not nationally.
From Wisconsin state tests taken in spring 2022, when 98% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Waterloo’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 1302 Wisconsin towns with household incomes within a quarter of Waterloo’s, its schools beat 16%, lower than their 22% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 30% of tested students were proficient in reading and 25% in math, against 38% and 39% statewide; 98% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
90–94% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90% across Wisconsin (the state reports Waterloo’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $17,167 per student, against $16,459 across Wisconsin (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 7 the district’s path is Waterloo Middle, then Waterloo High. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. John Evangelical Lutheran School (private) and Holy Family School (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Waterloo’s grade
C−: better than 22% of Wisconsin school districts, #321 of 362 Wisconsin towns. Graduation is above the Wisconsin average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Waterloo, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Waterloo
Waterloo Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 281 students · 11:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Waterloo
Waterloo Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 281 students · 11:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Waterloo
Waterloo Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 281 students · 11:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Waterloo
Waterloo Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 281 students · 11:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Waterloo
Waterloo Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 281 students · 11:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Waterloo
Waterloo Intermediate
Grades 5–6 · 114 students · 11:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Waterloo
Waterloo Intermediate
Grades 5–6 · 114 students · 11:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Waterloo
Waterloo Middle
Grades 7–8 · 118 students · 15:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Waterloo
Waterloo Middle
Grades 7–8 · 118 students · 15:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Waterloo
Waterloo High
Grades 9–12 · 232 students · 14:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Waterloo
Waterloo High
Grades 9–12 · 232 students · 14:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Waterloo
Waterloo High
Grades 9–12 · 232 students · 14:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Waterloo
Waterloo High
Grades 9–12 · 232 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Waterloo’s public schools are run by Waterloo School District, which also serves Lowell, Portland and Waterloo. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Waterloo vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Wisconsin towns that share Waterloo’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Waterloo | C− | Waterloo |
| Waterloo (town) | — | Waterloo PK–12 · Lake Mills Area PK–12 |
| Portland | C− | Waterloo |
| Medina | C+ | Marshall |
2 of the 3 neighbors share Waterloo with Waterloo, so their letters differ mainly through other districts.
Every school in Waterloo
6 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Wisconsin’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Waterloo’s schools
Are Waterloo’s schools good?
On Wisconsin’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Waterloo children attend score below 78% of Wisconsin’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C− Schools grade, #321 of 362 Wisconsin towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 16%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Waterloo in?
Waterloo School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 745 students in 4 schools (2024–25).
Where do Waterloo kids go to high school?
Waterloo High, with 232 students; its own test results earn a B−.
What is Waterloo’s graduation rate?
90–94% of the class of 2023 in Waterloo School District graduated in four years, against 90% across Wisconsin.
How much does Waterloo spend per student?
$17,167 in Waterloo School District (FY2024), against $16,459 across Wisconsin. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Waterloo?
Yes: St. John Evangelical Lutheran School (religious, grades PK–8, 102 students) and Holy Family School (Catholic, grades PK–7, 26 students).
Parents talk
What Waterloo families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Waterloo → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Wisconsin. Stars are from neighbors.