Hillside Elementary School

713 8th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
3/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 548 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Hillside 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 63% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65% (which is lower than 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 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 548 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 55%
  • : Bottom 50% in IA
  • : 63% (Btm 50%)
  • : 65% (Btm 50%)
  • : 40-44% (Btm 50%)
  • : Hillside Elementary School serves the northeast part of West Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 2 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 1.3 miles from the school.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

School Overview

Hillside Elementary School's student population of 548 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 47 teachers has grown by 27% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
548 students

Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
47 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓

Year Founded
2004
School Calendar

School Rankings

Hillside 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 Hillside Elementary School is 0.70, 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)
#914 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)

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

63%
68%

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

65%
70%

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

40-44%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1

Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓

American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
2%
3%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic
26%
14%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓

Black
18%
7%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓

White
45%
70%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
8%
5%

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

All Ethnic Groups
55%
0.70

Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
23.4%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
61%
35%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
7%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing

Sports

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hillside Elementary School's ranking?
Hillside Elementary School is ranked #914 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
63% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 65% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Hillside Elementary School?
548 students attend Hillside Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Hillside Elementary School students are White, 26% of students are Hispanic, 18% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hillside Elementary School?
Hillside Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Hillside Elementary School offer ?
Hillside Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Hillside Elementary School part of?
Hillside Elementary School is part of West Des Moines Comm School District.

School Reviews

Review Hillside 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 548 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 55%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 63% (Btm 50%)
  • : 65% (Btm 50%)
  • : 40-44% (Btm 50%)
  • : Hillside Elementary School serves the northeast part of West Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 2 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 1.3 miles from the school.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

Request Information

Quick Links