Serving 257 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 15:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 257 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- 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%)
- Attendance Zone: Walnut Street School serves a central area in Des Moines, IA, encompassing approximately 1.1 square miles. Most families can expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest point of the attendance zone being about 1 mile away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Walnut Street School's student population of 257 students has stayed relatively flat 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
257 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
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 0.76, 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
#981 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
5%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
19%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Black
33%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
White
29%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
14%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)32.7%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
52%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-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 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?
257 students attend Walnut Street School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of Walnut Street School students are Black, 29% of students are White, 19% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are Two or more races, and 5% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Walnut Street School?
Walnut Street School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than 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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