For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 2,333 students in Waterloo, IA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Waterloo, IA are Hoover Middle School, Central Middle School and George Washington Carver Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waterloo, IA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the Iowa public middle school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 71% statewide average). Middle schools in Waterloo have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public middle school average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Waterloo, IA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hoover Middle School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
630 Hillcrest Rd
Waterloo, IA 50701
(319) 433-2830
Waterloo, IA 50701
(319) 433-2830
Gr: 6-8 | 848 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #22.
Central Middle School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1350 Katoski Dr
Waterloo, IA 50701
(319) 433-2100
Waterloo, IA 50701
(319) 433-2100
Gr: 6-8 | 469 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #33.
George Washington Carver Academy
(Math: 47% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1505 Logan Ave
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-2500
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-2500
Gr: 6-8 | 455 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #44.
Expo Alternative Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1410 Independence Ave
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-1930
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-1930
Gr: 6-12 | 561 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Waterloo, IA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Waterloo, IA include Hoover Middle School, Central Middle School and George Washington Carver Academy.
How many public middle schools are located in Waterloo?
4 public middle schools are located in Waterloo.
What is the racial composition of students in Waterloo?
Waterloo public middle schools minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public middle schools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Waterloo are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Waterloo include: Central Middle School vs. Hoover Middle School, Hoover Middle School vs. Central Middle School, George Washington Carver Academy vs. Central Middle School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.