Serving 235 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Downtown School ranks in the top 30% 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 80-84% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student:teacher ratio of 26:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 235 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 26:1
- Minority Enrollment: 34%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 80-84% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-79% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Downtown School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Student Attention
School Overview
Downtown School's student population of 235 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 9 teachers has declined by 52% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
235 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
9 teachers
School Rankings
Downtown School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,233 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Downtown School is 0.53, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.47. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#289 out of 1233 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(22-23)70-74%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-84%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-79%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
26:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
12%
13%
Black
9%
7%
White
66%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
12%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
17%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Downtown School's ranking?
Downtown School is ranked #289 out of 1,233 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Downtown School often compared to?
Downtown Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Greenwood Elementary School, Howe Elementary School, Walnut Street School by visitors of our site.
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 80-84% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Downtown School?
235 students attend Downtown School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Downtown School students are White, 12% of students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Downtown School?
Downtown School has a student ration of 26:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Downtown School offer ?
Downtown School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Downtown School part of?
Downtown School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Downtown School located?
Downtown School is located in the Downtown Des Moines neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 3 other public schools located in Downtown Des Moines.
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