Samuelson Elementary School

Summary:

Samuelson Elementary School is a public elementary school in Des Moines, Iowa, serving students from kindergarten to 5th grade. The school has a diverse student population, with a racial makeup that includes 21.6% White, 24.03% African American, 13.83% Hispanic, 33.01% Asian, 0.24% Native American, 0.24% Pacific Islander, and 6.8% two or more races.

Samuelson Elementary School's test scores are generally higher than the Des Moines Independent Community School District average, but lower than the state average. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, the school's 3rd-grade English Language Arts proficiency rate was 46.4%, compared to the district's 43.1% and the state's 64.2%. Similarly, the school's 5th-grade Mathematics proficiency rate was 60%, compared to the district's 52.9% and the state's 70.7%. The school also has a relatively low student-teacher ratio of 12 students per teacher, which may indicate a more personalized learning environment for students.

Compared to nearby schools within the same district, Samuelson Elementary School generally performs better than schools like Monroe Elementary and Oak Park, but lags behind schools like Hillis Elementary and Perkins Elementary in terms of test scores and statewide rankings. Additionally, the school has a high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, with 78.88% of students qualifying in the 2022-2023 school year, which suggests the school may be facing socioeconomic challenges that could impact student performance.

Detail:

Public K-5

3929 Bel-Aire Rd
Des Moines, IA 50310

(515) 242-8441

District: Des Moines Independent Community School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
493^rd of 557 Iowa Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $15,980

Students who attend Samuelson Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	Meredith Middle School
High:	Hoover High School

Student/teacher ratio: 11.4

Number of students: 384

Racial breakdown:

Asian:

32.3%

African American:

25.3%

White:

21.1%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 72.9%

See top rated Iowa elementary schools

Compare Samuelson Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Samuelson Elementary School ranks worse than 88.5% of elementary schools in Iowa. It also ranks 14^th among 38 ranked elementary schools in the Des Moines Independent Community School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 13.83. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Student population at Samuelson Elementary School is diverse. Racial makeup is: Asian (32.3%), African American (25.3%), White (21.1%). (See more...)

Compare Details 72.9% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Samuelson Elementary School is 11.4, which is the 10^th best among 38 elementary schools in the Des Moines Independent Community School District. (See more...)

Compare Samuelson Elementary School employs 33.5 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Samuelson Elementary School is $15,980. 24 elementary schools in the Des Moines Independent Community School District spend more per student.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Samuelson Elementary School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Des Moines Independent Community School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Des Moines Independent Community School District 301^st of 309 Iowa school districts. (See district ranking list.)

What do you think?

Your rating for Samuelson Elementary School?

(Ranking FAQ)

Rank History for Samuelson Elementary School

Compare

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	IA State Percentile
2012	11.48	588^th	626	6.1%
2013	10.50	587^th	624	5.9%
2014	17.31	534^th	603	11.4%
2015	20.37	524^th	616	14.9%
2016	34.49	464^th	599	22.5%
2017	20.29	491^st	574	14.5%
2018	31.73	436^th	567	23.1%
2019	14.55	545^th	603	9.6%
2021	22.47	473^rd	567	16.6%
2022	25.85	468^th	574	18.5%
2023	14.20	510^th	565	9.7%
2024	13.83	493^rd	557	11.5%

See the entire list of Iowa Elementary School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Iowa Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Data source: Iowa Department of Education

We're sorry, but no reviews have been submitted for Samuelson Elementary School.

If you have first-hand knowledge about Samuelson Elementary School, submit a rating!

Reviews:
No reviews have been submitted!

Enrollment information for Samuelson Elementary School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
2009	258	138	36	34	1	n/a	n/a	0	467
2010	223	121	50	48	1	0	32	0	475
2011	214	115	77	45	1	0	29	0	481
2012	205	106	127	46	1	0	29	0	514
2013	204	100	144	53	0	0	25	0	526
2014	212	89	123	59	0	0	32	0	515
2015	197	90	142	59	2	1	36	0	527
2016	157	70	150	51	2	1	39	0	470
2017	146	81	138	45	4	0	38	0	452
2018	129	89	143	46	4	0	38	0	449
2019	116	118	144	52	4	0	33	0	467
2020	106	122	157	51	2	0	23	0	461
2021	90	123	152	48	1	0	19	0	433
2022	84	114	148	47	1	0	24	0	418
2023	89	99	136	57	1	1	28	1	412
2024	81	97	124	56	0	3	22	1	384

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Samuelson Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2009	467	36.5	12.8	53.5
2010	475	32.9	14.4	60.8
2011	481	32.0	15.0	62.2
2012	514	33.0	15.5	64.6
2013	526	34.5	15.2	70.7
2014	515	35.0	14.7	65.2
2015	527	37.0	14.2	68.9
2016	470	35.0	13.4	76.2
2017	452	35.6	12.6	75.4
2018	449	31.6	14.2	80
2019	467	33.9	13.7	82.9
2020	461	35.0	13.1	83.7
2021	433	35.2	12.3	84.3
2022	418	35.8	11.6	80.9
2023	412	34.3	12.0	78.9
2024	384	33.5	11.4	72.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Samuelson Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2009	467	36.5	12.8	53.5
2010	475	32.9	14.4	60.8
2011	481	32.0	15.0	62.2
2012	514	33.0	15.5	64.6
2013	526	34.5	15.2	70.7
2014	515	35.0	14.7	65.2
2015	527	37.0	14.2	68.9
2016	470	35.0	13.4	76.2
2017	452	35.6	12.6	75.4
2018	449	31.6	14.2	80
2019	467	33.9	13.7	82.9
2020	461	35.0	13.1	83.7
2021	433	35.2	12.3	84.3
2022	418	35.8	11.6	80.9
2023	412	34.3	12.0	78.9
2024	384	33.5	11.4	72.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Samuelson Elementary School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$1,376 (8.6%)	$14,603 (91.4%)	$15,980

Data source: Iowa Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Samuelson Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 545^th of 603 Elementary schools	Ranks 510^th of 565 Elementary schools	0.1%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Samuelson Elementary School)	49.2	39.1	10.1%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Des Moines Independent Community School District)	44	43.3	0.7%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Iowa)	65.3	66.3	1%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Samuelson Elementary School)	64.5	53.6	10.9%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Des Moines Independent Community School District)	52	52.1	0.1%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Iowa)	71.7	75.3	3.6%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Samuelson Elementary School)	49.3	60.7	11.4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Des Moines Independent Community School District)	49.7	52.4	2.7%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Iowa)	70.5	73.1	2.6%
4th Grade Mathematics (Samuelson Elementary School)	49.3	65.6	16.3%
4th Grade Mathematics (Des Moines Independent Community School District)	50.9	47.6	3.3%
4th Grade Mathematics (Iowa)	72.5	72.9	0.4%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Samuelson Elementary School)	51.4	48	3.4%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Des Moines Independent Community School District)	46.5	49.5	3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Iowa)	67.3	68.3	1%
5th Grade Mathematics (Samuelson Elementary School)	52.1	56	3.9%
5th Grade Mathematics (Des Moines Independent Community School District)	48.4	51.6	3.2%
5th Grade Mathematics (Iowa)	69.4	71.3	1.9%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	467	412	11.8%
African American	118	99	16.1%
American Indian	4	1	75%
Asian	144	136	5.6%
Hispanic	52	57	9.6%
Pacific Islander	0	1
White	116	89	23.3%
Two or More Races	33	28	15.2%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	82.9%	78.9%	4%

Schools Near Samuelson Elementary School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				ISASP English Language Arts (2024)			ISASP Mathematics (2024)			ISASP Science (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	ISASP English Language Arts 3rd Grade	ISASP English Language Arts 4th Grade	ISASP English Language Arts 5th Grade	ISASP Mathematics 3rd Grade	ISASP Mathematics 4th Grade	ISASP Mathematics 5th Grade	ISASP Science 5th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Samuelson Elementary School	Public	K-5	3929 Bel-Aire Rd	Des Moines	50310	Polk County	Des Moines Independent Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(515) 242-8441	384	34	11.4	72.9%	81 (21.1%)	97 (25.3%)	56 (14.6%)	124 (32.3%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (0.8%)	22 (5.7%)	13.8	493^rd of 557 public elementary schools	11.5%		14.2	510^th of 565 public elementary schools	9.7%	17	46.4	52.9	51.7	60.7	52.9	60.0	36.7	$15,980	$1,376	$14,603
Woodlawn Early Childhood Center	Public	PK	4000 Lower Beaver Rd	Des Moines	50310	Polk County	Des Moines Independent Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	No	(515) 242-8213	215	11	19.1	79.1%	64 (29.8%)	46 (21.4%)	34 (15.8%)	51 (23.7%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (1.4%)	17 (7.9%)								(n/a)
Moore Elementary School	Public	K-5	3725 52nd St	Des Moines	50310	Polk County	Des Moines Independent Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(515) 242-8426	298	24	12.5	63.8%	101 (33.9%)	66 (22.1%)	64 (21.5%)	33 (11.1%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	33 (11.1%)	10.4	510^th of 557 public elementary schools	8.4%		12.2	515^th of 565 public elementary schools	8.8%	5	38.8	66.7	38.9	55.1	49.1	30.6	22.2	$16,099	$1,236	$14,863
Monroe Elementary School	Public	K-5	2250 30th St	Des Moines	50310	Polk County	Des Moines Independent Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(515) 242-8425	377	35	10.8	88.9%	45 (11.9%)	159 (42.2%)	83 (22.0%)	67 (17.8%)	1 (0.3%)	3 (0.8%)	19 (5.0%)	1.8	550^th of 557 public elementary schools	1.3%		2.8	554^th of 565 public elementary schools	1.9%	4	26.1	40.0	33.3	46.8	44.0	31.5	25.9	$19,913	$3,902	$16,011
Hillis Elementary School	Public	K-5	2401 56th St	Des Moines	50310	Polk County	Des Moines Independent Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(515) 242-8412	291	24	12.0	63.9%	105 (36.1%)	52 (17.9%)	72 (24.7%)	36 (12.4%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	25 (8.6%)	17.8	479^th of 557 public elementary schools	14.0%		13.4	513^th of 565 public elementary schools	9.2%	34	44.7	50.0	55.0	60.4	45.2	65.9	51.2	$16,776	$1,702	$15,074
Horizon Science Academy Des Moines	Public, Charter	K-3	4801 Franklin Ave 2nd	Des Moines	50310	Polk County	Horizon Science Academy	Yes	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(515) 335-1937	79	9	8.7	3.8%	32 (40.5%)	21 (26.6%)	17 (21.5%)	1 (1.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (10.1%)								(n/a)
Perkins Elementary School	Public	K-5	4301 College	Des Moines	50311	Polk County	Des Moines Independent Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(515) 242-8430	444	29	15.1	55.6%	213 (48.0%)	82 (18.5%)	84 (18.9%)	21 (4.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	44 (9.9%)	49	342^nd of 557 public elementary schools	38.6%		39.6	402^nd of 565 public elementary schools	28.8%	60	53.8	73.7	79.1	63.1	69.7	71.6	65.7	$14,697	$1,156	$13,541
Olmsted Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	7110 Prairie Avenue	Urbandale	50322	Polk County	Urbandale Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(515) 457-5100	641	48	13.3	45.4%	359 (56.0%)	88 (13.7%)	80 (12.5%)	72 (11.2%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (0.5%)	39 (6.1%)	44.7	366^th of 557 public elementary schools	34.3%		45.2	366^th of 565 public elementary schools	35.2%		56.0	76.5	72.4	68.1	62.2	72.1	58.1
Oak Park	Public	K-5	3928 6th Avenue	Des Moines	50313	Polk County	Des Moines Independent Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(515) 242-8428	309	27	11.4	80.6%	83 (26.9%)	87 (28.2%)	93 (30.1%)	21 (6.8%)	2 (0.6%)	1 (0.3%)	22 (7.1%)	2.7	546^th of 557 public elementary schools	2.0%		4.3	546^th of 565 public elementary schools	3.4%		38.9	50.9	36.0	41.7	30.2	29.4	25.5	$16,793	$1,701	$15,092
Lawson Elementary School	Public	K-5	5450 NW 62nd Ave	Johnston	50131	Polk County	Johnston Community School District	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(515) 278-0478	595	41	14.6	37.5%	389 (65.4%)	49 (8.2%)	45 (7.6%)	74 (12.4%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	36 (6.1%)	69.2	170^th of 557 public elementary schools	69.5%		65.8	194^th of 565 public elementary schools	65.7%	24	85.1	76.2	75.6	89.7	77.2	77.8	60.0	$12,603	$730	$11,873

Frequently Asked Questions about Samuelson Elementary School

What is the racial makeup of Samuelson Elementary School?

Students at Samuelson Elementary School are 32% Asian, 25% African American, 21% White, 15% Hispanic, 6% Two or more races.

Is Samuelson Elementary School a good school?

Samuelson Elementary School ranks in the bottom 11.5% of Iowa elementary schools.

What schools do graduates of Samuelson Elementary School attend?

Students who attend Samuelson Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Meredith Middle School
High : Hoover High School

How many students attend Samuelson Elementary School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 384 students attended Samuelson Elementary School.

What district is Samuelson Elementary School in?

Des Moines Independent Community School District

Rate Samuelson Elementary School!

Other helpful SchoolDigger resources...

Compare to nearby schools

IAIowa Elementary School Rankings

IAIowa District Rankings

Schools in Des Moines, IA

Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Samuelson Elementary School!

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Iowa Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.