For the 2025-26 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 1,009 students in Winnebago County, IA.
The top-ranked public preschools in Winnebago County, IA are Lake Mills Elementary School, Forest City Elementary School and North Iowa Elementary Buffalo Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Winnebago County, IA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 84% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 80% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in Winnebago County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschool average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Winnebago County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lake Mills Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
102 S 4th Ave E
Lake Mills, IA 50450
(641) 592-1882
Lake Mills, IA 50450
(641) 592-1882
Gr: PK-5 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Forest City Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1405 W I St
Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-2670
Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-2670
Gr: PK-4 | 462 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
North Iowa Elementary Buffalo Center
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
111 3rd Ave Nw
Buffalo Center, IA 50424
(641) 562-2525
Buffalo Center, IA 50424
(641) 562-2525
Gr: PK-5 | 231 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Winnebago County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Forest City Alternative School (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
145 South Clark St
Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-2324
Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-2324
Gr: 9-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
North Iowa Alternative High School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
116 Jackson St S
Thompson, IA 50478
(641) 584-2100
Thompson, IA 50478
(641) 584-2100
Gr: 9-12 | 3 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Winnebago County, IA?
The top-ranked public preschools in Winnebago County, IA include Lake Mills Elementary School, Forest City Elementary School and North Iowa Elementary Buffalo Center.
How many public preschools are located in Winnebago County?
3 public preschools are located in Winnebago County.
What is the racial composition of students in Winnebago County?
Winnebago County public preschools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public preschools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Winnebago County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Winnebago County include: Forest City Elementary School vs. North Iowa Elementary Buffalo Center, Lake Mills Elementary School vs. North Iowa Elementary Buffalo Center, North Iowa Elementary Buffalo Center vs. Forest City Elementary School
Recent Articles
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.
School Supply Budget 2026: Fees, Books, Tech Costs
School Supply Budget 2026 guide for parents, covering fees, textbooks, technology, and hidden extras to plan ahead.
Education Funding in America (2025 Update)
Comprehensive 2025 update on public school funding in America, new federal and state policies, per-pupil spending, and equity challenges.