For the 2026-27 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 1,703 students in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA.
The top-ranked public schools in Downtown Des Moines are Downtown School, Walnut Street School and Edmunds Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 70% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA (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%
Rank: #33.
Edmunds Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
950 15th Street
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 243-1174
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 243-1174
Gr: K-5 | 259 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA include Downtown School, Walnut Street School and Edmunds Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines?
4 public schools are located in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines?
the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines public schools minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.