Serving 670 students in grades 6-8, Mccombs Middle 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 44% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 47% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 670 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 75%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 44% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: McCombs Middle School serves the southern part of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 13 square miles. The school is typically a 5-10 minute drive from most locations within the zone, with an average distance of 1.9 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 3.6 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Mccombs Middle School's student population of 670 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has declined by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
670 students
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Come Here. Become Here.
School Rankings
Mccombs Middle 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 Mccombs Middle 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
#1162 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
7%
3%
Hispanic
39%
14%
Black
23%
7%
White
25%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)51.6%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mccombs Middle School's ranking?
Mccombs Middle School is ranked #1162 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?
44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 47% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Mccombs Middle School?
670 students attend Mccombs Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Mccombs Middle School students are Hispanic, 25% of students are White, 23% of students are Black, 7% of students are Asian, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mccombs Middle School?
Mccombs Middle School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Mccombs Middle School offer ?
Mccombs Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Mccombs Middle School part of?
Mccombs Middle School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
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