Harding Middle School

203 E Euclid Ave
Des Moines, IA 50313
(School attendance zone shown in map)
1/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 634 students in grades 6-8, Harding Middle 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 30% (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 17:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 634 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 84%
  • : Bottom 50% in IA
  • : 30% (Btm 50%)
  • : 38% (Btm 50%)
  • : 29% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Harding Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:

School Overview

Harding Middle School's student population of 634 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has declined by 28% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
634 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
School Calendar

School Rankings

Harding Middle 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 Harding Middle School is 0.77, 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.
This School
State Level (IA)
#1209 out of 1233 schools
(Bottom 50%)
30%
64%
38%
70%
29%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
13%
3%
Hispanic
33%
13%
Black
28%
7%
White
16%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
9%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.77
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
81%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
5%
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harding Middle School's ranking?
Harding Middle School is ranked #1209 out of 1,233 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Harding Middle School often compared to?
Harding Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Weeks Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30% 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 Harding Middle School?
634 students attend Harding Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of Harding Middle School students are Hispanic, 28% of students are Black, 16% of students are White, 13% of students are Asian, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Harding Middle School?
Harding Middle School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Harding Middle School offer ?
Harding Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Harding Middle School part of?
Harding Middle School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Harding Middle School located?
Harding Middle School is located in the Highland Park neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 2 other public schools located in Highland Park.

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 634 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 84%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 30% (Btm 50%)
  • : 38% (Btm 50%)
  • : 29% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

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