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 (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 548 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 63% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: 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)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
548 students
Total Classroom Teachers
47 teachers
Year Founded
2004
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.
Overall Testing Rank
#914 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
26%
14%
Black
18%
7%
White
45%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)23.4%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
61%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Tigers
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.
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