Hanawalt Elementary School

225 56th Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
5/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 312 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 13:1 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 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 312 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 45%
  • : Bottom 50% in IA
  • : 65-69% (Btm 50%)
  • : 70-74% (Top 50%)
  • : 40-49% (Btm 50%)
  • : Hanawalt Elementary serves the west part of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 3.1 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 2 miles from the school.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

School Overview

Hanawalt Elementary School's student population of 312 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
312 students

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Year Founded
1913
School Calendar
Campus Size
5 acres
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 0.62, 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.
This School
State Level (IA)
#677 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

65-69%
68%

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

70-74%
70%

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

40-49%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Asian
1%
3%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic
13%
14%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Black
26%
7%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

White
55%
70%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
5%
5%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓

All Ethnic Groups
45%
0.62

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
28.9%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
47%
35%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
7%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

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?
312 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, 13% of students are Hispanic, 5% 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 13:1, 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.

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 312 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 45%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 65-69% (Btm 50%)
  • : 70-74% (Top 50%)
  • : 40-49% (Btm 50%)
  • : Hanawalt Elementary serves the west part of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 3.1 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 2 miles from the school.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

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