For the 2026 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 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA (2026)
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 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
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 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
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 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 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 29% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Understanding School Safety Policies in 2026
Learn how school safety policies are evolving in 2026, including mental health support, AI monitoring, emergency planning, and parent rights.
How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health at School
Practical guidance for parents and educators on supporting child mental health during the school year, with expert strategies and 2026 insights.
What a National Blue Ribbon of Distinction Means in 2026
Understand what a National Blue Ribbon of Distinction means, how schools earn it, and why it matters for academic quality in 2026.