Serving 519 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Morris 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 48% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45% (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 64% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 519 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 64%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 48% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Morris Elementary School serves the southern part of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 3.3 square miles. The typical drive to the school is between 5 to 10 minutes, with an average distance of 1.1 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Morris Elementary School's student population of 519 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
519 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
School Rankings
Morris 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 Morris Elementary School is 0.68, 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
#1158 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
41%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
14%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
36%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
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)35.3%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
78%
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
Sports
School Mascot
Bison
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Morris Elementary School's ranking?
Morris Elementary School is ranked #1158 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Morris Elementary School often compared to?
Morris Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like South Union Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
48% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 45% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Morris Elementary School?
519 students attend Morris Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Morris Elementary School students are Hispanic, 36% of students are White, 14% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Morris Elementary School?
Morris Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Morris Elementary School offer ?
Morris Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Morris Elementary School part of?
Morris Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
School Reviews
4 10/10/2025
Good teachers but there are things they could improve on
Review Morris 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
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.
