Serving 197 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Downtown School ranks in the top 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 80-84% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 197 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 33%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 80-84% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-79% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Downtown School serves the northwest part of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 0.6 square miles. Most students live within a short 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 0.9 miles from the school.
- 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
School Overview
Downtown School's student population of 197 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 15 teachers has declined by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
197 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
15 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2024
School Calendar
School Motto
Come Here. Become Here.
School Rankings
Downtown School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Downtown School is 0.52, 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
#379 out of 1223 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-84%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-79%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
13%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
Black
8%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
White
67%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
10%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)17.3%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
14%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
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 Downtown School's ranking?
Downtown School is ranked #379 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% 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?
197 students attend Downtown School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Downtown School students are White, 13% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Black, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Downtown School?
Downtown School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower 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.
School Reviews
Review Downtown 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 a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
