Serving 244 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Walnut Street 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 60-64% (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 14:1 is equal to the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 244 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 69%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Walnut Street School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Walnut Street School's student population of 244 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
244 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Aug 25, 2025
School Motto
Come Here. Become Here.
School Rankings
Walnut Street 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 Walnut Street School is 0.75, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.47. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#981 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
6%
3%
Hispanic
20%
13%
Black
33%
7%
White
31%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
53%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Walnut Street School's ranking?
Walnut Street School is ranked #981 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Walnut Street School often compared to?
Walnut Street Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Downtown School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% 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 Walnut Street School?
244 students attend Walnut Street School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of Walnut Street School students are Black, 31% of students are White, 20% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 6% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Walnut Street School?
Walnut Street School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Walnut Street School offer ?
Walnut Street School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Walnut Street School part of?
Walnut Street School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Walnut Street School located?
Walnut Street School is located in the Downtown Des Moines neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 3 other public schools located in Downtown Des Moines.
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