Serving 657 students in grades 6-8, Merrill 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 67% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 72% (which is higher 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 41% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 657 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 41%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 67% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 72% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 70% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Merrill Middle School serves the west part of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 7.1 square miles. Most families can expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 2.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Merrill Middle School's student population of 657 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
657 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
Campus Size
10 acres
School Motto
Come Here. Become Here.
School Rankings
Merrill 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 Merrill Middle School is 0.61, 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
#677 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
72%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
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
13%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
16%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
59%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
9%
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)31.1%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
37%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
Showing 2015–2025. 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 Merrill Middle School's ranking?
Merrill Middle School is ranked #677 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Merrill Middle School often compared to?
Merrill Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Callanan Middle School, Brody Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
67% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 72% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Merrill Middle School?
657 students attend Merrill Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Merrill Middle School students are White, 16% of students are Black, 13% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Merrill Middle School?
Merrill Middle School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Merrill Middle School offer ?
Merrill Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Merrill Middle School part of?
Merrill Middle School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Merrill Middle School located?
Merrill Middle School is located in the Waterbury neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
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