Serving 553 students in grades 6-8, Callanan 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 46% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 51% (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 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 553 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 73%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 51% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Callanan Middle School serves the northwest part of Des Moines, IA, encompassing an area of approximately 6.5 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 1.5 miles to the school's edge and a maximum distance of 2.6 miles to the furthest boundary of the zone.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Callanan Middle School's student population of 553 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
553 students
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Callanan 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 Callanan Middle School is 0.73, 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
#1146 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
21%
14%
Black
39%
7%
White
27%
70%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)42.5%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
73%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Callanan Middle School's ranking?
Callanan Middle School is ranked #1146 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Callanan Middle School often compared to?
Callanan Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Merrill Middle School, Brody Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
46% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 51% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Callanan Middle School?
553 students attend Callanan Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Callanan Middle School students are Black, 27% of students are White, 21% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Callanan Middle School?
Callanan Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Callanan Middle School offer ?
Callanan Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Callanan Middle School part of?
Callanan Middle School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Callanan Middle School located?
Callanan Middle School is located in the Woodland Heights neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 1 other public schools located in Woodland Heights.
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