Serving 265 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Wright 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 40-44% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (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 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 265 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 60%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Wright Elementary School's student population of 265 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has grown by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
265 students
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Year Founded
1961
School Calendar
School Rankings
Wright 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 Wright Elementary School is 0.71, 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
#1181 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
3%
Hispanic
34%
14%
Black
13%
7%
White
40%
70%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)38.1%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
67%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wright Elementary School's ranking?
Wright Elementary School is ranked #1181 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Wright Elementary School?
265 students attend Wright Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
40% of Wright Elementary School students are White, 34% of students are Hispanic, 13% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wright Elementary School?
Wright Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Wright Elementary School offer ?
Wright Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Wright Elementary School part of?
Wright Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Wright Elementary School located?
Wright Elementary School is located in the Greater South Side neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 1 other public schools located in Greater South Side.
School Reviews
Review Wright 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
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
