Des Moines Independent Comm School District

2100 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA 50321
(District boundaries shown in map)
: 
1/
10
Bottom 50%

Top Rankings

Des Moines Independent Comm School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Iowa for:

Category
Attribute
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2026-27 school year, there are 49 public elementary schools serving 19,665 students in Des Moines Independent Comm School District. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public elementary schools in Iowa.
Public Elementary Schools in Des Moines Independent Comm School District have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 69% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public elementary school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Overview

This School District
This State (IA)
# Schools
59 Schools
931 Schools
# Students
29,676 Students
323,671 Students
# Teachers
1,894 Teachers
23,684 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
16:1

Student By Grade

District Rank

Des Moines Independent Comm School District, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 325 school districts in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 73% has decreased from 81% over five school years.
This School District
State Average (IA)
#325 out of 327 school districts
(Bottom 50%)

Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data

43%
68%

Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data

49%
70%

Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data

41%
63%
73%
87.5%

Showing 2014–2023. View full 13-year historical data

(2022-23)
45.7%
24.7%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.75
0.49

Showing 2014–2023. View full 36-year historical data

% American Indian
n/a
n/a
% Asian
8%
2%

Showing 2014–2023. View full 36-year historical data

% Hispanic
32%
14%

Showing 2014–2023. View full 36-year historical data

% Black
22%
8%

Showing 2014–2023. View full 36-year historical data

% White
31%
70%

Showing 2014–2023. View full 36-year historical data

% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
7%
5%

Showing 2014–2023. View full 14-year historical data

All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $19,671 is higher than the state median of $18,179. The school district revenue/student has grown by 9% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $18,957 is higher than the state median of $18,122. The school district spending/student has grown by 14% over four school years.
This School District
This State (IA)
Total Revenue
$584 MM
$9,049 MM

Showing 2014–2023. View full 34-year historical data

Spending
$563 MM
$9,021 MM

Showing 2014–2023. View full 34-year historical data

Revenue / Student
$19,671
$18,179

Showing 2014–2023. View full 34-year historical data

Spending / Student
$18,957
$18,122

Showing 2014–2023. View full 34-year historical data

Best Des Moines Independent Comm School District Public Elementary Schools (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cowles Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
6401 College Ave
Windsor Heights, IA 50324
(515) 242-7818
Gr: PK-8 | 392 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #22.
Downtown School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1800 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 284-5848
Gr: K-5 | 197 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Hanawalt Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
225 56th Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8411
Gr: K-5 | 312 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Merrill Middle School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
5301 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8448
Gr: 6-8 | 657 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #55.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2425 Watrous Ave
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 242-8416
Gr: PK-5 | 312 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #66.
Windsor Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
5912 University Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50311
(515) 242-8440
Gr: K-5 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #77.
Hubbell Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
800 42nd St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8414
Gr: K-5 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #88.
Greenwood Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
316 37th Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8410
Gr: PK-5 | 293 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #99.
Perkins Elementary School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4301 College
Des Moines, IA 50311
(515) 242-8430
Gr: K-5 | 438 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #1010.
Walnut Street School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
901 Walnut St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-8438
Gr: PK-5 | 257 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #11 - 1211. - 12.
Pleasant Hill Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
4801 E Oakwood Dr
Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
(515) 242-8432
Gr: PK-5 | 241 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #11 - 1211. - 12.
Samuelson Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3929 Bel-aire Rd
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 242-8441
Gr: K-5 | 386 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #1313.
Findley Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3025 Oxford Street
Des Moines, IA 50313
(515) 242-8407
Gr: K-6 | 324 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #1414.
Cattell Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3101 E 12th St
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8403
Gr: K-5 | 314 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #1515.
Willard Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2941 Dean Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 242-8439
Gr: K-5 | 247 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #1616.
Phillips Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1701 Lay St
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 242-8431
Gr: K-5 | 263 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #17 - 1917. - 19.
Hillis Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2401 56th St
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 242-8412
Gr: K-5 | 279 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #17 - 1917. - 19.
Howe Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2900 Indianola
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8413
Gr: K-5 | 297 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #17 - 1917. - 19.
Jackson Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
3825 Indianola Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8415
Gr: PK-5 | 490 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #2020.
Moore Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
3725 52nd St
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 242-8426
Gr: K-5 | 285 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #2121.
River Woods Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2929 Se 22nd St
Des Moines, IA 50320
(515) 242-8433
Gr: K-5 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #2222.
Callanan Middle School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
3010 Center Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8101
Gr: 6-8 | 553 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #2323.
Morris Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1401 Geil Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8421
Gr: K-5 | 519 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #2424.
Mccombs Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
201 Sw County Line Rd
Des Moines, IA 50320
(515) 242-8447
Gr: 6-8 | 670 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #2525.
Mckinley Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1610 Se 6th Street
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8423
Gr: PK-5 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #2626.
Hoyt Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2700 E 42nd St
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 242-8446
Gr: 6-8 | 455 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #27 - 2827. - 28.
Brody Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2501 Park Ave
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 242-8443
Gr: 6-8 | 641 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #27 - 2827. - 28.
Lovejoy Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
801 E Kenyon Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8419
Gr: K-5 | 394 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #2929.
Meredith Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
4827 Madison Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 242-7250
Gr: 6-8 | 662 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #3030.
Moulton Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1541 8th Street
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 242-8427
Gr: PK-5 | 465 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #3131.
Garton Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2820 E 24th St
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 242-8408
Gr: PK-5 | 535 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #3232.
Wright Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
5001 Sw 14th St
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8442
Gr: K-5 | 265 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #3333.
Brubaker Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2900 E 42nd Street
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 242-8405
Gr: K-5 | 622 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #3434.
South Union Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
4201 South Union
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8409
Gr: K-5 | 422 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #3535.
Studebaker Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
300 E County Line Rd
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8436
Gr: K-5 | 561 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Show 14 more public schools in Des Moines Independent Comm School District (out of 49 total schools)
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • District size: 59 schools
  • Grades: PK-12
  • Enrollment: 29,676 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 70%
  • : 73% (Top 50% in IA)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 43% (Btm 50%)
  • : 49% (Btm 50%)
  • : 41% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

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