Summary:
There is only one high school located in the 50316 zip code - East High School, which serves students in the Des Moines Independent Community School District. The data reveals that East High School is struggling academically, with consistently lower test scores compared to district and state averages across multiple subject areas and grade levels.
Despite spending a relatively high $14,908 per student, East High School has a four-year graduation rate of 88.3% and a concerning 21.6% chronic absenteeism rate. The school also serves a predominantly low-income student population, with 69.46% of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch. These factors likely contribute to the school's academic challenges, as evidenced by its declining statewide ranking, which has dropped from 326 out of 338 Iowa high schools in 2023-2024 to 328 out of 340 in 2024-2025.
Addressing the underlying issues at East High School will require a comprehensive approach that goes beyond simply increasing funding. Strategies focused on improving instructional quality, student engagement, and targeted interventions for at-risk students may be more effective in driving meaningful improvements in academic performance and student outcomes.
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