Phillips Elementary School

1701 Lay St
Des Moines, IA 50317
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
1/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 263 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Phillips 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 55-59% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 263 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 51%
  • : Bottom 50% in IA
  • : 40-44% (Btm 50%)
  • : 55-59% (Btm 50%)
  • : 40-49% (Btm 50%)
  • : Phillips Elementary serves the northeast part of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 0.7 square miles. Families can typically reach the school within 5 to 10 minutes, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 0.8 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

School Overview

Phillips Elementary School's student population of 263 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
263 students

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

School Calendar

School Rankings

Phillips 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 Phillips Elementary School is 0.64, 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.
This School
State Level (IA)
#1101 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

40-44%
68%

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

55-59%
70%

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

40-49%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
2%
3%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic
34%
14%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Black
9%
7%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

White
49%
70%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
5%
5%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓

All Ethnic Groups
51%
0.64

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
16.4%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
69%
35%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
7%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Phillips Elementary School's ranking?
Phillips Elementary School is ranked #1101 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?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Phillips Elementary School?
263 students attend Phillips Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Phillips Elementary School students are White, 34% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Phillips Elementary School?
Phillips Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Phillips Elementary School offer ?
Phillips Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Phillips Elementary School part of?
Phillips Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Phillips Elementary School located?
Phillips Elementary School is located in the Fairmont Park neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 2 other public schools located in Fairmont Park.

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 263 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 51%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 40-44% (Btm 50%)
  • : 55-59% (Btm 50%)
  • : 40-49% (Btm 50%)
  • : Phillips Elementary serves the northeast part of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 0.7 square miles. Families can typically reach the school within 5 to 10 minutes, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 0.8 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

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