Serving 297 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Stowe 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 35-39% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (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 68% 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: 297 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 68%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Stowe Elementary School serves the northeast part of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 1.9 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 1.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Stowe Elementary School's student population of 297 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has declined by 19% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
297 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1910
School Calendar
Campus Size
10 acres
School Motto
Come Here. Become Here.
School Rankings
Stowe 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 Stowe Elementary School is 0.70, 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
#1199 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
3%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
42%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
16%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
32%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
6%
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)39.4%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
72%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
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 Stowe Elementary School's ranking?
Stowe Elementary School is ranked #1199 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Stowe Elementary School often compared to?
Stowe Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Brubaker Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Stowe Elementary School?
297 students attend Stowe Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
42% of Stowe Elementary School students are Hispanic, 32% of students are White, 16% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Stowe Elementary School?
Stowe Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Stowe Elementary School offer ?
Stowe Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Stowe Elementary School part of?
Stowe Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Stowe Elementary School located?
Stowe Elementary School is located in the Grays Woods neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 1 other public schools located in Grays Woods.
School Reviews
1 10/10/2025
Lots of bullying, little action to prevent or discourage it.
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