Serving 678 students in grades 9, Valley Southwoods 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% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9
- Enrollment: 678 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 42%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 55% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Valley Southwoods' attendance zone encompasses the entire West Des Moines school district, covering approximately 36.6 square miles. Families within the zone can expect a typical drive of 10-12 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 3.6 miles to the nearest edge and a maximum distance of 5.3 miles to the furthest boundary.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Valley Southwoods's student population of 678 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 49 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
678 students
Total Classroom Teachers
49 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Valley Southwoods 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 Valley Southwoods is 0.62, 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
#791 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
75%
70%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
6%
3%
Hispanic
18%
14%
Black
12%
7%
White
58%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.7%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
37%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Valley Southwoods's ranking?
Valley Southwoods is ranked #791 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Valley Southwoods often compared to?
Valley Southwoodsis often viewed alongside schools like Roosevelt High School, Urbandale High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 75% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Valley Southwoods?
678 students attend Valley Southwoods.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
58% of Valley Southwoods students are White, 18% of students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Black, 6% of students are Asian, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Valley Southwoods?
Valley Southwoods has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Valley Southwoods offer ?
Valley Southwoods offers enrollment in grades 9 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Valley Southwoods part of?
Valley Southwoods is part of West Des Moines Comm School District.
School Reviews
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