Serving 386 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Samuelson 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 55-59% (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 12:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Asian and Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 386 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 78%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Samuelson Elementary School serves the northwest part of Des Moines, IA, covering an attendance zone of approximately 1.5 square miles. Families can typically expect a short drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with most residents living around 0.7 miles away from the school and the furthest edge located 1.7 miles from it.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Samuelson Elementary School's student population of 386 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
386 students
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
At Samuelson, we are respectful, responsible, and motivated learners!
School Rankings
Samuelson 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 Samuelson Elementary School is 0.77, 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
#1018 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
31%
3%
Hispanic
14%
14%
Black
25%
7%
White
22%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)27.2%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
70%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Samuelson Elementary School's ranking?
Samuelson Elementary School is ranked #1018 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?
55-59% 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 Samuelson Elementary School?
386 students attend Samuelson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
31% of Samuelson Elementary School students are Asian, 25% of students are Black, 22% of students are White, 14% of students are Hispanic, and 8% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Samuelson Elementary School?
Samuelson Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Samuelson Elementary School offer ?
Samuelson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Samuelson Elementary School part of?
Samuelson Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Samuelson Elementary School located?
Samuelson Elementary School is located in the Lower Beaver neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 1 other public schools located in Lower Beaver.
School Reviews
Review Samuelson 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
The First Six Weeks at a New Public School
The first six weeks reveal how children are adapting to a new public school. Learn which academic, social, emotional, attendance, and routine signals parents should monitor closely.
Will Your Child Receive Enough Individual Attention? Looking Beyond Student-Teacher Ratios
Student-teacher ratios reveal only part of a school’s story. Learn how families can evaluate class size, staffing, teacher access, tutoring, feedback, and personalized support for children today.
What Families Should Ask About AI Use in Public Schools
Families need clear answers about classroom AI. Learn what to ask public schools about teaching, academic integrity, privacy, teacher oversight, equity, and student learning before concerns arise.
