Serving 94 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Smouse Opportunity 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 was ≤20% (which was lower than the Iowa state average of 76%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts was 21-39% (which was lower than the Iowa state average of 74%).
The student-teacher ratio of 6:1 was lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment was 57% of the student body (majority Black), which was higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
School Overview
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
94 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
School Rankings
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(17-18)≤20%
76%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(17-18)21-39%
74%
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
8%
3%
Hispanic
13%
13%
Black
27%
7%
White
43%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
76%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 76% IA state average), while 21-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 74% IA state average).
How many students attend Smouse Opportunity School?
94 students attend Smouse Opportunity School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
43% of Smouse Opportunity School students are White, 27% of students are Black, 13% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Asian, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Smouse Opportunity School?
Smouse Opportunity School has a student ration of 6:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Smouse Opportunity School offer ?
Smouse Opportunity School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Smouse Opportunity School part of?
Smouse Opportunity School is part of Des Moines Independent Community School District.
Recent Articles
Public School Transportation & Commute Planning Guide
Learn how public school transportation and commute planning can help families prepare for the coming school year safely and efficiently.
New Public School Safety Protocols 2025–26 Guide
Learn how new public school safety protocols for 2025–26 affect students, parents, and schools nationwide.
How Technology Transforms Education in 2025
Explore how technology shapes learning today, with updated data, policy context, trends, and real-world implications for students, educators, and families.
