Elementary Schools in Des Moines Independent Community School District

The Des Moines Independent Community School District in Iowa is home to 38 elementary schools serving students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. The district's schools vary significantly in their academic performance, with a few standout schools like Cowles Elementary School and Downtown School consistently ranking among the top elementary schools in the state. However, the district as a whole is ranked 301st out of 309 districts in Iowa, indicating relatively low overall performance.

Several schools, such as Perkins Elementary School and Greenwood Elementary School, have seen improvements in their rankings and ratings in recent years, demonstrating the potential for progress within the district. Conversely, some schools, like Edmunds Elementary School and King Elementary School, have struggled with lower academic proficiency rates, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support to address the specific challenges faced by these schools.

The data reveals significant disparities in academic performance across the district, with some schools achieving exceptional results while others lag behind. These differences do not appear to be solely driven by funding, as per-student spending varies widely without a clear correlation to student outcomes. The analysis suggests that school-level factors, such as leadership, curriculum, and instructional practices, may play a crucial role in determining student success, underscoring the importance of addressing the unique needs of each school within the Des Moines Independent Community School District.