Serving 603 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 32% (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 16:1 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 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 603 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 84%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Harding Middle School serves the north part of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 7.4 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive from the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 2.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Harding Middle School's student population of 603 students has declined by 25% 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)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
603 students
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Harding Middle 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 Harding Middle School is 0.76, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#1202 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
10%
3%
Hispanic
34%
14%
Black
30%
7%
White
16%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
9%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)59.4%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
79%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harding Middle School's ranking?
Harding Middle School is ranked #1202 out of 1,223 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?
32% 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 Harding Middle School?
603 students attend Harding Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
34% of Harding Middle School students are Hispanic, 30% of students are Black, 16% of students are White, 10% 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 16:1, 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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