Serving 555 students in grades Prekindergarten-4, Cornell Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-74% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65-69% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 555 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 29%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65-69% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Cornell Elementary School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Des Moines, IA, covering approximately 22.7 square miles. Most students live within a typical 5-10 minute drive from the school, with an average distance of 2.7 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum reach of 4.2 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Cornell Elementary School's student population of 555 students has grown by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
555 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Calendar
School Rankings
Cornell 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 Cornell Elementary School is 0.45, which is less 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
#711 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Hispanic
21%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Black
2%
7%
Showing 2014–2025. View full 34-year historical data
White
71%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
6%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 16-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)17.3%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
15%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cornell Elementary School's ranking?
Cornell Elementary School is ranked #711 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?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 65-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Cornell Elementary School?
555 students attend Cornell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of Cornell Elementary School students are White, 21% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cornell Elementary School?
Cornell Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Cornell Elementary School offer ?
Cornell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-4 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Cornell Elementary School part of?
Cornell Elementary School is part of Saydel Comm School District.
School Reviews
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