For the 2026-27 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 1,319 students in 50312, IA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in 50312, IA are Merrill Middle School, Callanan Middle School and Ruby Van Meter. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public middle schools in zipcode 50312 have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the Iowa public middle school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 61% (versus the 71% statewide average). Middle schools in 50312, IA have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public middle school average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best 50312, IA Public Middle Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Merrill Middle School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
5301 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8448
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8448
Gr: 6-8 | 657 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #22.
Callanan Middle School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3010 Center Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8101
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8101
Gr: 6-8 | 553 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #33.
Ruby Van Meter
Special Education School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
710 28th St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8220
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8220
Gr: K-12 | 109 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
50312, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Bridges (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
1800 Grand
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-7552
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-7552
Gr: 6-12 | 25 students Minority enrollment: 32%
800 42nd St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8414
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8414
Gr: K-5 | 309 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Ruby Van Meter School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
710 28th St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8220
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8220
Gr: 6-12 | 135 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Smouse Opportunity School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
2820 Center St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8210
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8210
Gr: PK-8 | 94 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in 50312, IA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in 50312, IA include Merrill Middle School, Callanan Middle School and Ruby Van Meter.
How many public middle schools are located in 50312?
3 public middle schools are located in 50312.
What is the racial composition of students in 50312?
50312 public middle schools minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public middle schools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
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