Serving 312 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Jefferson Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-74% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65-69% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 312 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 35%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65-69% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-59% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Jefferson Elementary School serves the southwest part of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 7.6 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 3.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Jefferson Elementary School's student population of 312 students has declined by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
312 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
Come Here. Become Here.
School Rankings
Jefferson 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 Jefferson Elementary School is 0.55, 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
#711 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
3%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
12%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
11%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
65%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
8%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)32.4%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
32%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jefferson Elementary School's ranking?
Jefferson Elementary School is ranked #711 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?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 65-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Jefferson Elementary School?
312 students attend Jefferson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Jefferson Elementary School students are White, 12% of students are Hispanic, 11% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Jefferson Elementary School?
Jefferson Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Jefferson Elementary School offer ?
Jefferson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Jefferson Elementary School part of?
Jefferson Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Jefferson Elementary School located?
Jefferson Elementary School is located in the Southwestern Hills neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 1 other public schools located in Southwestern Hills.
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