For the 2026-27 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 4,008 students in 50316, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 347 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in 50316, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in 50316, IA are Cattell Elementary School, East High School and Madison Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 50316 have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in 50316, IA have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best 50316, IA Public Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cattell Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3101 E 12th St
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8403
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8403
Gr: K-5 | 314 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #22.
East High School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
815 E 13th St
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-7788
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-7788
Gr: 9-12 | 1,952 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #33.
Madison Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
806 E Hoffman St
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8420
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8420
Gr: PK-5 | 285 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #44.
Capitol View Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
320 E. 16th
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8402
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8402
Gr: PK-5 | 533 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #55.
Hiatt Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1430 E. University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-7774
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-7774
Gr: 6-8 | 488 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #66.
Carver Elementary School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
705 E University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8418
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8418
Gr: PK-5 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
50316, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1401 E 12th St
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8437
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8437
Gr: PK-5 | 368 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 50316, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in 50316, IA include Cattell Elementary School, East High School and Madison Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 50316?
6 public schools are located in 50316.
What percentage of students in 50316 go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in 50316 are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in 50316?
50316 public schools minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
How Often Does Your Child's School Change Teachers Between Grade Levels?
Learn how teacher movement between grade levels affects continuity, experience, instruction, and school stability, plus the questions parents should ask about staffing patterns before choosing a public school today.
The School Pickup Test: What Arrival and Dismissal Reveal About a Public School
Discover what school arrival and dismissal reveal about safety, supervision, organization, communication, student behavior, transportation, and school climate before choosing the right public school for your child and family.
Should Siblings Attend the Same Public School?
Should siblings attend the same public school? Learn when academic needs, learning styles, programs, social fit, support services, and individual interests may make different schools better choices for children.