For the 2025 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 66%), 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 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in the neighborhood of Southwestern Hills, Des Moines, IA (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | 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
Grades: K-5
| 306 students
Rank: #22.
Brody Middle School
(Math: 42% | 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
Grades: 6-8
| 598 students
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 29% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles

Can Naviance Succeed Improve College and Career Readiness?
Learn about a new student assessment system, Naviance Succeed, which provides tools and support to increase student college and career readiness. A number of school districts are using the tool this year in hopes of improving student performance through more accurate assessment process than are currently available.

Do You Need After School Day Care? Public Schools May Be the Solution
Learn about how your child's public school may be the best source of after school and vacation day care.

The Link Between Education and Incarceration: The NAACP Report
Education and the rate of incarceration have been linked in a recent NAACP report. Learn about the report and the troubling findings.