For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 6,655 students in 50315, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 582 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in 50315, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in 50315, IA are Howe Elementary School, Jackson Elementary School and Morris Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 50315 have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in 50315, IA have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best 50315, IA Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Howe Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2900 Indianola
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8413
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8413
Gr: K-5 | 297 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Jackson Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3825 Indianola Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8415
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8415
Gr: PK-5 | 490 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #33.
Morris Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1401 Geil Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8421
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8421
Gr: K-5 | 519 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #44.
Mckinley Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1610 Se 6th Street
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8423
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8423
Gr: PK-5 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #55.
Lincoln High School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2600 Sw 9th St
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-7500
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-7500
Gr: 9-12 | 2,364 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #66.
Lovejoy Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
801 E Kenyon Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8419
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8419
Gr: K-5 | 394 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #77.
Wright Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
5001 Sw 14th St
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8442
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8442
Gr: K-5 | 265 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #88.
South Union Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
4201 South Union
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8409
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8409
Gr: K-5 | 422 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #99.
Studebaker Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
300 E County Line Rd
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8436
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8436
Gr: K-5 | 561 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #1010.
Park Ave Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3141 Sw 9th St
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8429
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8429
Gr: K-5 | 380 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #1111.
Weeks Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
901 East Park Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8449
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8449
Gr: 6-8 | 688 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
50315, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1000 Porter Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8409
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-8409
Gr: PK-5 | 547 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
925 Sw Porter
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 287-9700
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 287-9700
Gr: K-5 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Orchard Place School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
5412 Sw 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 287-9700
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 287-9700
Gr: K-12 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 50315, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in 50315, IA include Howe Elementary School, Jackson Elementary School and Morris Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 50315?
11 public schools are located in 50315.
What percentage of students in 50315 go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in 50315 are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in 50315?
50315 public schools minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
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