Serving 380 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Park Ave 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 40-44% (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 61% 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: 380 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 61%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Park Ave Elementary School serves the southwest part of Des Moines, IA, covering an attendance area of approximately 4.1 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edges being about 2.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Park Ave Elementary School's student population of 380 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
380 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
Come Here. Become Here.
School Rankings
Park Ave 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 Park Ave Elementary School is 0.72, 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
#1191 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
4%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
28%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
22%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
39%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
5%
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)42.1%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
76%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. 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 Park Ave Elementary School's ranking?
Park Ave Elementary School is ranked #1191 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Park Ave Elementary School often compared to?
Park Ave Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Windsor Elementary School, Altoona Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% 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 Park Ave Elementary School?
380 students attend Park Ave Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Park Ave Elementary School students are White, 28% of students are Hispanic, 22% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Park Ave Elementary School?
Park Ave Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Park Ave Elementary School offer ?
Park Ave Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Park Ave Elementary School part of?
Park Ave Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Park Ave Elementary School located?
Park Ave Elementary School is located in the Indianola Hills neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 1 other public schools located in Indianola Hills.
School Reviews
1 10/10/2025
This is my child 3rd yr at this school. All I Can say is rude no concern will not give my child the time of day.
5 10/10/2025
My child has excelled at this wonderful and diverse school. The fact that they lock the doors during the day has left us feeling so much safer. The teachers have had great communication and so far we have never had bully issues. My child has a severe food allergy and every teacher and the nurse have taken it seriously and always check. I feel lucky that after 3 years here we still feel so good about the experience. They try very hard here, and they are truly a good school. I think bad reviews may be coming from the parents just not communicating properly. This is a good school in our community.
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