Elementary Schools in Des Moines Independent Community School District

The Des Moines Independent Community School District operates 42 diverse elementary schools serving students from prekindergarten through 5th grade. The district's schools vary significantly in terms of student enrollment, academic performance, and socioeconomic factors, with a mix of high-achieving and lower-performing institutions.

Among the standout schools in the district are Cowles Elementary School and Downtown School, both of which have earned 4-star ratings from SchoolDigger and boast exceptional test scores, with over 70% of students proficient or better in core subjects. Other top-performing schools include Hanawalt Elementary and Greenwood Elementary, which are ranked in the top half of Iowa elementary schools.

However, the district also faces significant challenges, with an average chronic absenteeism rate of 21.6% across all schools and wide disparities in academic performance. Many schools struggle with low proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics, which may be linked to the high percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch. The variation in per-student spending, ranging from $13,900 to $19,900, could also contribute to the performance gaps between schools. Addressing these systemic issues and providing targeted support to the lower-performing schools will be crucial for the district to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students.