Serving 429 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Garton 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 45% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 64%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (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 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 429 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 78%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 45% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Garton Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Garton Elementary School's student population of 429 students has declined by 23% over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has declined by 29% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
429 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Garton Elementary 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 Garton Elementary School is 0.75, 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
#1168 out of 1233 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
64%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
15%
3%
Hispanic
40%
13%
Black
14%
7%
White
22%
71%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
76%
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 Garton Elementary School's ranking?
Garton Elementary School is ranked #1168 out of 1,233 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?
45% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% IA state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Garton Elementary School?
429 students attend Garton Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
40% of Garton Elementary School students are Hispanic, 22% of students are White, 15% of students are Asian, 14% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Garton Elementary School?
Garton Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Garton Elementary School offer ?
Garton Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Garton Elementary School part of?
Garton Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Garton Elementary School located?
Garton Elementary School is located in the Fairmont Park neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 2 other public schools located in Fairmont Park.
School Reviews
Review Garton 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
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.
