Serving 579 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Western Hills 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 62% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 64%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 61% (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 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 28% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 579 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 44%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 62% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 61% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Western Hills Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Western Hills Elementary School's student population of 579 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
579 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Students by Grade
School Calendar
School Rankings
Western Hills Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,233 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Western Hills Elementary School is 0.63, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.46. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#888 out of 1233 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
64%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
61%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
2%
Hispanic
21%
13%
Black
11%
7%
White
56%
72%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
28%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Western Hills Elementary School's ranking?
Western Hills Elementary School is ranked #888 out of 1,233 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Western Hills Elementary School often compared to?
Western Hills Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Fairmeadows Elementary School, Crossroads Park Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
62% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% IA state average), while 61% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Western Hills Elementary School?
579 students attend Western Hills Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of Western Hills Elementary School students are White, 21% of students are Hispanic, 11% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Western Hills Elementary School?
Western Hills Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Western Hills Elementary School offer ?
Western Hills Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is Western Hills Elementary School part of?
Western Hills Elementary School is part of West Des Moines Comm School District.
School Reviews
Review Western Hills Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
What Is A Magnet School?
This comprehensive guide explores magnet schools, their history, and their role in public education. It covers their unique characteristics, including specialized curricula and diverse student bodies, while discussing the pros and cons of magnet education. The article also provides practical advice for families considering magnet schools for their children.
Uniforms: The Pros and Cons
This comprehensive article explores the pros and cons of school uniforms in public schools. It discusses their impact on safety, learning environment, self-expression, and cost-effectiveness. The piece presents statistics, expert opinions, and arguments from both proponents and opponents, helping parents make informed decisions about uniform policies.
Understanding Rubrics
This article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.