For the 2025 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 479 students in 50309, IA.
The top ranked public elementary 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 elementary schools in zipcode 50309 have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 66%), and reading proficiency score of 69% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in 50309, IA have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public elementary school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best 50309, IA Public Elementary Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Downtown School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1800 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 284-5848
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 284-5848
Grades: K-5
| 235 students
Rank: #22.
Walnut Street School
(Math: 40-44% | 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
Grades: PK-5
| 244 students
50309, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1800 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Grades: 7-12
| 2 students
1800 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Grades: 6-8
| n/a students
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
Grades: 7-9
| 117 students
918 Se 11th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Grades: PK-K
| 15 students
1800 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Grades: 6-12
| 118 students
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
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
1101 9th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Grades: PK-K
| 18 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in 50309, IA?
The top ranked public elementary schools in 50309, IA include Downtown School and Walnut Street School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 50309?
2 public elementary schools are located in 50309.
What is the racial composition of students in 50309?
50309 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
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