East High School, often locally referred to as East or East High, is a public secondary school located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. East is the oldest high school in the Des Moines metro and is part of the Des Moines Public Schools.
Serving 2,014 students in grades 9-12, East High 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 31% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 64%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 48% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student:teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,014 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 71% (Btm 50% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 48% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
East High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
East High School's student population of 2,014 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 85 teachers has declined by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,014 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
85 teachers
Year Founded
1861
Colors
Black, Red
School Calendar
School Rankings
East High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,233 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of East High School is 0.71, 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
#1187 out of 1233 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
64%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
24:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
7%
3%
Hispanic
45%
13%
Black
17%
7%
White
25%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
71%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
69%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: East Scarlets
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is East High School's ranking?
East High School is ranked #1187 out of 1,233 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are East High School often compared to?
East High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lincoln High School, North High School, Hoover High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
31% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% IA state average), while 48% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of East High School?
The graduation rate of East High School is 71%, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend East High School?
2,014 students attend East High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of East High School students are Hispanic, 25% of students are White, 17% of students are Black, 7% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of East High School?
East High School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does East High School offer ?
East High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is East High School part of?
East High School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is East High School located?
East High School is located in the Capitol Park neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 2 other public schools located in Capitol Park.
School Reviews
4 1/8/2021
Great school to attend and teach. I had the pleasure to do both.
Review East High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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