Hiatt Middle School

1430 E. University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50316
(School attendance zone shown in map)
1/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 488 students in grades 6-8, Hiatt 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 33% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 488 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 87%
  • : Bottom 50% in IA
  • : 32% (Btm 50%)
  • : 33% (Btm 50%)
  • : 30-34% (Btm 50%)
  • : Hiatt Middle School serves the northeast part of Des Moines, IA, covering an attendance area of approximately 4.5 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 5-10 minutes to the school, with an average distance of about 1.3 miles to the edge of the zone, reaching up to 1.9 miles at its furthest point.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

School Overview

Hiatt Middle School's student population of 488 students has declined by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has declined by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
488 students
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Come Here. Become Here.

School Rankings

Hiatt 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 Hiatt Middle School is 0.66, 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)
#1207 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
32%
68%
33%
70%
30-34%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
7%
3%
Hispanic
53%
14%
Black
21%
7%
White
13%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.66
(22-23)
61.9%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
84%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
7%
School Statewide Testing
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hiatt Middle School's ranking?
Hiatt Middle School is ranked #1207 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Hiatt Middle School often compared to?
Hiatt Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Southeast Polk Junior High School, Harding 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 33% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Hiatt Middle School?
488 students attend Hiatt Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Hiatt Middle School students are Hispanic, 21% of students are Black, 13% of students are White, 7% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hiatt Middle School?
Hiatt Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Hiatt Middle School offer ?
Hiatt Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Hiatt Middle School part of?
Hiatt Middle School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Hiatt Middle School located?
Hiatt Middle School is located in the Martin Luther King Junior Park neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 488 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 87%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 32% (Btm 50%)
  • : 33% (Btm 50%)
  • : 30-34% (Btm 50%)
  • : Hiatt Middle School serves the northeast part of Des Moines, IA, covering an attendance area of approximately 4.5 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 5-10 minutes to the school, with an average distance of about 1.3 miles to the edge of the zone, reaching up to 1.9 miles at its furthest point.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

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