Serving 275 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Mckinley 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 45-49% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% 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: 275 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 74%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: McKinley Elementary School serves the eastern part of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 1.5 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 1.5 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Mckinley Elementary School's student population of 275 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
275 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Year Founded
1904
School Calendar
School Motto
Come Here. Become Here.
School Rankings
Mckinley 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 Mckinley Elementary School is 0.69, 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
#1163 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
3%
Hispanic
47%
14%
Black
13%
7%
White
26%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)34.2%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
77%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Liberty The Eagle
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mckinley Elementary School's ranking?
Mckinley Elementary School is ranked #1163 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Mckinley Elementary School often compared to?
Mckinley Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Howe Elementary School, Mckee Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Mckinley Elementary School?
275 students attend Mckinley Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Mckinley Elementary School students are Hispanic, 26% of students are White, 13% of students are Black, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mckinley Elementary School?
Mckinley Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Mckinley Elementary School offer ?
Mckinley Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Mckinley Elementary School part of?
Mckinley Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Mckinley Elementary School located?
Mckinley Elementary School is located in the McKinley School And Columbus Park neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
School Reviews
Review Mckinley Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
