Serving 641 students in grades 6-8, Brody Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 39% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 49% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 641 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Brody Middle School serves the southwest section of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 15.4 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 2.4 miles to the school's edge and a maximum of 3.8 miles to the furthest boundary.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Brody Middle School's student population of 641 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
641 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1967
School Calendar
School Motto
Come Here. Become Here.
School Rankings
Brody Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Brody Middle School is 0.69, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1168 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
3%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
30%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Black
13%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
45%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
8%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)48.5%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
62%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brody Middle School's ranking?
Brody Middle School is ranked #1168 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Brody Middle School often compared to?
Brody Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Callanan Middle School, Merrill Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Brody Middle School?
641 students attend Brody Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Brody Middle School students are White, 30% of students are Hispanic, 13% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Brody Middle School?
Brody Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Brody Middle School offer ?
Brody Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Brody Middle School part of?
Brody Middle School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Brody Middle School located?
Brody Middle School is located in the Southwestern Hills neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 1 other public schools located in Southwestern Hills.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
this school is a great school to go to and is not over protective like some schools I know. the new principal is OK and I''m learning lots from experienced teachers. I wouldn't change what school I go to
1 10/10/2025
A principal who takes away pizzas from the kids and makes a teacher cry? Is this the kind of example to set for children? Hopefully, the parents will rate this principal and the board investigates his abusive behavior towards the teachers and children.
Review Brody Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.
