Serving 490 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Jackson Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 490 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 79%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Jackson Elementary School serves the southeast part of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 2.4 square miles, with most students living within a 5-10 minute drive from the school. The furthest edge of the attendance zone is about 3.9 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Jackson Elementary School's student population of 490 students has grown by 26% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
490 students
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Motto
Come Here. Become Here.
School Rankings
Jackson Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Jackson Elementary School is 0.73, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1114 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
11%
3%
Hispanic
41%
14%
Black
22%
7%
White
21%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)32%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
70%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Stars
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jackson Elementary School's ranking?
Jackson Elementary School is ranked #1114 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Jackson Elementary School?
490 students attend Jackson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Jackson Elementary School students are Hispanic, 22% of students are Black, 21% of students are White, 11% of students are Asian, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Jackson Elementary School?
Jackson Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Jackson Elementary School offer ?
Jackson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Jackson Elementary School part of?
Jackson Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
School Reviews
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