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 46% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). 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: 46% (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)
(22-23)46%
68%
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?
46% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% 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
The Debate Over Mandatory AP Exams: Balancing Academic Rigor and Student Well-being
Some public schools are forcing students in AP courses to take the AP exam. Here's a look at both sides of the debate and the potential benefits in store for both students and high schools.
The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.
Texas Schools: Enrollment Skyrockets
Fueled by immigration of Hispanics to Texas, the state’s school system continues to grow at a frenetic pace, with a current enrollment of more than five million students. In this article, we dig into the numbers to examine how the Texas school system is changing, and what these changes mean for the future.
