For the 2026-27 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 834 students in 50309, IA.
The top-ranked public schools in 50309, IA are Downtown School and Walnut Street School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 50309 have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 62% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in 50309, IA have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best 50309, IA Public Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Downtown School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1800 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 284-5848
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 284-5848
Gr: K-5 | 197 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #22.
Walnut Street School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
901 Walnut St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-8438
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-8438
Gr: PK-5 | 257 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
50309, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1800 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Gr: 7-12 | 2 students
1800 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Gr: 6-8
Des Moines Public Charter School (Closed 2013)
Charter School
620 8th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7911
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7911
Gr: 7-9 | 117 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
918 Se 11th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Gr: PK-K | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
1800 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Gr: 6-12 | 118 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
620 8th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 697-5737
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 697-5737
Gr: 6-12 | 50 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Scavo Alternative High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1800 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7589
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7589
Gr: 9-12
1101 9th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Gr: PK-K | 18 students Minority enrollment: 83%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 50309, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in 50309, IA include Downtown School and Walnut Street School.
How many public schools are located in 50309?
4 public schools are located in 50309.
What is the racial composition of students in 50309?
50309 public schools minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
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