Serving 315 students in grades Kindergarten-5, King 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 20-24% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 315 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: King Elementary School serves the northwest area of Des Moines, IA, encompassing approximately 0.4 square miles, with most families typically living within a 5-10 minute drive from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
King Elementary School's student population of 315 students has grown by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
315 students
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Year Founded
1972
School Calendar
School Motto
Come Here. Become Here.
School Rankings
King 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 King Elementary School is 0.67, 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
#1209 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
8%
3%
Hispanic
41%
14%
Black
40%
7%
White
6%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)33%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
90%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is King Elementary School's ranking?
King Elementary School is ranked #1209 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?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend King Elementary School?
315 students attend King Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of King Elementary School students are Hispanic, 40% of students are Black, 8% of students are Asian, 6% of students are White, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of King Elementary School?
King Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does King Elementary School offer ?
King Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is King Elementary School part of?
King Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is King Elementary School located?
King Elementary School is located in the Evelyn Davis Park neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
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