For the 2026-27 school year, there is 1 public preschool serving 268 students in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA.
The top-ranked public preschool in Downtown Des Moines is Walnut Street 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 preschool have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 69% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public preschool average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools 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.
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA?
The top-ranked public preschools in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA include Walnut Street School.
How many public preschools are located in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines?
1 public preschools 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 preschools minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public preschools average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
