Serving 458 students in grades 9-12, Saydel High 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 47% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 458 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 32%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Saydel High School's attendance zone covers the entire school district in Des Moines, IA, encompassing approximately 22.7 square miles. The typical drive to the school is between 5 to 10 minutes, with an average distance of 2.7 miles from the school to the edge of the zone, reaching up to 4.1 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Saydel High School's student population of 458 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
458 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Saydel High 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 Saydel High School is 0.49, 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
#1140 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
3%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
20%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Black
2%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
68%
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 ↓
Graduation Rate
80-84%
87.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)35.2%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
47%
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 Saydel High School's ranking?
Saydel High School is ranked #1140 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Saydel High School often compared to?
Saydel High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Southeast Polk High School, Bondurant-farrar High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
47% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Saydel High School?
The graduation rate of Saydel High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 87.5%.
How many students attend Saydel High School?
458 students attend Saydel High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of Saydel High School students are White, 20% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Saydel High School?
Saydel High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Saydel High School offer ?
Saydel High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Saydel High School part of?
Saydel High School is part of Saydel Comm School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
The Saydel School District is a great school district to put your kids in. A really good thing about this school is that their academic rates are high and the availibility of music, art, sports, and other extracurricular activities is fantastic. Plus, it's a very loving and caring school district.
Review Saydel High 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.
