Serving 317 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Hanawalt 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 65-69% (which is approximately equal to the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is approximately equal to 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 45% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 317 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 45%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 65-69% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Hanawalt Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Hanawalt Elementary School's student population of 317 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has grown by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
317 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Year Founded
1913
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Aug 25, 2025
Campus Size
5
School Motto
Come Here. Become Here.
School Rankings
Hanawalt Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Hanawalt Elementary School is 0.61, 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
#677 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
15%
13%
Black
26%
7%
White
55%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
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 Hanawalt Elementary School's ranking?
Hanawalt Elementary School is ranked #677 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Hanawalt Elementary School often compared to?
Hanawalt Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Windsor Elementary School, Cowles Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Hanawalt Elementary School?
317 students attend Hanawalt Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Hanawalt Elementary School students are White, 26% of students are Black, 15% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Hanawalt Elementary School?
Hanawalt Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Hanawalt Elementary School offer ?
Hanawalt Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Hanawalt Elementary School part of?
Hanawalt Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Hanawalt Elementary School located?
Hanawalt Elementary School is located in the Westwood neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
School Reviews
Review Hanawalt 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
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
