Average
#1255 of 1,823 schools in IN
Waterloo Elementary School
Elementary School · DeKalb Co Ctl United Sch Dist
3326 CR 427, Waterloo, IN 46793
Enrollment
224
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
5.5
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
224
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
5.5
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Waterloo
#2 of 3
public schools
Indiana elementary schools
#741 of 1,047
In district
#3 of 6
DeKalb Co Ctl United Sch Dist
About Waterloo Elementary School
Waterloo Elementary School is a regular public school nestled in the rural setting of Waterloo, Indiana. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, the school currently has an enrollment of 224 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 with 14 full-time equivalent teachers. The school's location offers a close-knit community feel, where students benefit from individualized attention and small class sizes.
Waterloo Elementary School focuses on fostering a supportive learning environment for its young scholars. While the academic performance data shows room for improvement—such as an ELA proficiency rate of 21% and math proficiency at 28%, with no proficient scores in science—the school is committed to continuous development and student growth. The school’s setting, surrounded by nature and small-town charm, provides a unique backdrop for learning and community engagement.
Waterloo Elementary School thrives within its rural surroundings, offering students a nurturing atmosphere that encourages academic and personal growth.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Waterloo Elementary School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Waterloo Elementary School — Students at Waterloo Elementary School score 31% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 27%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
72.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IN ILEARN (2024-25)
Based on 15 test records from IN state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.2/10.
How Waterloo Elementary School Compares
See how Waterloo Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 42% (2019) to 42.7% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 42% (2019) to 20.22% (2025).
Location
3326 CR 427, Waterloo, IN 46793
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Waterloo Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Hamilton Community Elementary Sch (rated 9.1/10, 8.1 miles away, in nearby Hamilton), which scores notably higher. Another option is Hendry Park Elementary School (rated 8.3/10, 13.9 miles away, in nearby Angola), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Riverdale Elementary School (rated 8.1/10, 10.0 miles away, in nearby Saint Joe), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Waterloo, see our Waterloo schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 14.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| DeKalb Middle School Waterloo | 1.8 mi | 4.4 |
| DeKalb High School Waterloo | 2.0 mi | 7.8 |
| James R Watson Elementary School Auburn | 4.2 mi | 5.3 |
| McKenney-Harrison Elementary Sch Auburn | 5.1 mi | 6.6 |
| Country Meadow Elementary School Ashley | 5.2 mi | 4.2 |
| Hamilton Community Elementary Sch Hamilton | 8.1 mi | 9.1 |
| Hamilton Community High School Hamilton | 8.1 mi | 5.6 |
| J E Ober Elementary School Garrett | 8.0 mi | 5.3 |
| Garrett Middle School Garrett | 8.1 mi | 4.1 |
| Garrett High School Garrett | 8.1 mi | 6.2 |
| Pleasant Lake Elementary School Pleasant Lake | 10.0 mi | 5.3 |
| ST JOSEPH SCHOOL Garrett | 8.5 mi | 6.3 |
| Butler Elementary School Butler | 7.7 mi | 5.0 |
| Eastside Junior-Senior High School Butler | 7.9 mi | 6.9 |
| Riverdale Elementary School Saint Joe | 10.0 mi | 8.1 |
| Hendry Park Elementary School Angola | 13.9 mi | 8.3 |
| CAMPBELL ROAD SCHOOL Spencerville | 13.2 mi | 3.8 |
| Ryan Park Elementary School Angola | 13.9 mi | 7.2 |
| Leo Elementary School Leo | 14.3 mi | 5.0 |
| Angola Middle School Angola | 14.2 mi | 6.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 46793 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$74,412
Median Home Value
$177,500
Median Rent
$840/mo
Population
4,122
College Educated
16.5%
Homeownership
84.5%
Avg Commute
24.9 min
Poverty Rate
9.4%
Median Age
38.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Waterloo Elementary School has a median household income of $74,412. It is a community where 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $177,500, with a median rent of $840/month. The local poverty rate of 9.4% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 25 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Arlington Woods School 99 Indianapolis, IN | 5.5 |
| Burris Elementary School Mitchell, IN | 5.5 |
| Deer Meadow Primary School Greencastle, IN | 5.5 |
| Montezuma Elementary School Montezuma, IN | 5.5 |
| Sharp Creek Elementary School Wabash, IN | 5.5 |
| West Central Elementary School Francesville, IN | 5.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Waterloo Elementary School
What grades does Waterloo Elementary School serve?
Waterloo Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Waterloo Elementary School?
Waterloo Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 224 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Waterloo Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Waterloo Elementary School is 16:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Waterloo Elementary School rank in IN?
Waterloo Elementary School is ranked #1255 out of 1,823 schools in IN.
What is Waterloo Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Waterloo Elementary School has a composite rating of 5.5 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Waterloo Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Waterloo Elementary School has 40.1% math proficiency and 23.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Waterloo Elementary School a charter school?
No, Waterloo Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Waterloo Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Waterloo Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Waterloo Elementary School?
72.3% of students at Waterloo Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Low (149/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 224
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 14
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 72.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- DeKalb County
- Phone
- (260) 920-1011
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
DeKalb Co Ctl United Sch Dist- District Enrollment
- 3,578
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,445
- District Rank
- #3 of 6
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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