For the 2026-27 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 941 students in the neighborhood of Southwestern Hills, Des Moines, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Southwestern Hills are Jefferson Elementary School and Brody Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Southwestern Hills, Des Moines, IA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 69% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public elementary school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in the neighborhood of Southwestern Hills, Des Moines, IA (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2425 Watrous Ave
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 242-8416
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 242-8416
Gr: PK-5 | 312 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #22.
Brody Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2501 Park Ave
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 242-8443
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 242-8443
Gr: 6-8 | 641 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Southwestern Hills, Des Moines, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Southwestern Hills, Des Moines, IA include Jefferson Elementary School and Brody Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in the neighborhood of Southwestern Hills, Des Moines?
2 public elementary schools are located in the neighborhood of Southwestern Hills, Des Moines.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Southwestern Hills, Des Moines?
the neighborhood of Southwestern Hills, Des Moines public elementary schools minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
When Your Child Gets a Teacher You Didn't Request
Learn what parents can do when a child is assigned to an unexpected teacher, including when to wait, communicate, document concerns, request support, and seek reassignment appropriately.
Before Accepting a Public School Seat: 15 Checks
Before accepting a public school seat, parents should verify enrollment terms, transportation, staffing, academics, safety, support services, schedules, attendance rules, extracurriculars, costs, and long-term placement details carefully.
Will This Public School Offer the Same Programs Next Year?
Learn how parents can determine whether public school programs will continue next year by checking budgets, enrollment, staffing, board documents, grants, course schedules, and district priorities before enrolling.