Serving 314 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Cattell Elementary 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 55-59% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 314 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 72%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Cattell Elementary School serves the northern part of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 1 square mile. Most students typically live within a 5-10 minute drive from the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 1.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Cattell Elementary School's student population of 314 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
314 students
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Cattell Elementary 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 Cattell Elementary School is 0.77, 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
#1056 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
Asian
9%
3%
Hispanic
32%
14%
Black
21%
7%
White
28%
70%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
9%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)46.5%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cattell Elementary School's ranking?
Cattell Elementary School is ranked #1056 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Cattell Elementary School?
314 students attend Cattell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
32% of Cattell Elementary School students are Hispanic, 28% of students are White, 21% of students are Black, 9% of students are Asian, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cattell Elementary School?
Cattell Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Cattell Elementary School offer ?
Cattell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Cattell Elementary School part of?
Cattell Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Cattell Elementary School located?
Cattell Elementary School is located in the Highland Park neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 2 other public schools located in Highland Park.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
School has good spirit. Teacher''s very present and involved. Scores seem low. Hard to believe. So much effort from staff and teachers
Review Cattell Elementary 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
When Your Child Gets a Teacher You Didn't Request
Learn what parents can do when a child is assigned to an unexpected teacher, including when to wait, communicate, document concerns, request support, and seek reassignment appropriately.
Before Accepting a Public School Seat: 15 Checks
Before accepting a public school seat, parents should verify enrollment terms, transportation, staffing, academics, safety, support services, schedules, attendance rules, extracurriculars, costs, and long-term placement details carefully.
Will This Public School Offer the Same Programs Next Year?
Learn how parents can determine whether public school programs will continue next year by checking budgets, enrollment, staffing, board documents, grants, course schedules, and district priorities before enrolling.
