Excellent
#8 of 157 private schools in IA
Top 5% of private schools
Bergman Academy
Elementary School
100 45TH ST, Des Moines, IA 50312
Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on 60 schools in Des Moines. Learn more
Enrollment
273
Student-Teacher
7.3:1
Score
8.2
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
273
Student-Teacher
7.3:1
Score
8.2
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Updated
2021-22
Updated 2021-22
How this school compares
In Des Moines
#4 of 13
public schools
Iowa elementary schools
#4 of 103
About Bergman Academy
Bergman Academy serves 273 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in Des Moines, offering a comprehensive elementary education with notably small class sizes. With 38 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains an exceptional 7.3:1 student-teacher ratio, allowing for more individualized attention and personalized learning experiences. The school has earned a solid 7.8 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranks 87th among Iowa's 157 elementary schools, placing it in the 45th percentile statewide.
This regular public school provides a stable educational foundation for students throughout their formative years, with the continuity of serving students from their earliest school experiences through middle school. Bergman Academy is situated in the 50312 ZIP code area, a well-established neighborhood where the median household income reaches $77,612 and home values average $259,500. The community demonstrates a strong commitment to education, with 62% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, while maintaining a relatively low poverty rate of 9%.
This educated, economically stable community of approximately 15,500 residents provides a supportive environment for the school's mission. The school operates within Des Moines' mid-size city setting, offering families access to urban resources while maintaining a neighborhood school atmosphere.
What Parents Should Know
With a student-teacher ratio of 7.3:1, Bergman Academy offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
As a private school, Bergman Academy operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.
Financial Overview
Source: IRS Form 990 (2023 filing)
- Per-Pupil Spending
- Total expenses ÷ enrollment
- $17,855
- Per-Pupil Revenue
- Total revenue ÷ enrollment
- $15,112
- Financial Health
- Revenue-to-expense ratio (>1.0 = surplus)
- 0.85x — At Risk
- Tuition Dependency
- Share of revenue from program services (tuition, fees)
- 97%
- Total Assets
- End-of-year total assets from IRS filing
- $5.8M
Financial data from IRS Form 990 filings via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Per-pupil figures based on current enrollment of 273 students. Not all private schools file Form 990.
Compare to Public Schools
BetaHow Bergman Academy compares to 57 public schools serving similar grades in Des Moines, IA
Student Demographics
Nearby Elementary Schools
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bergman Academy (this school) | 8.2 |
| Hanawalt Elementary | 6.7 |
| Merrill Middle School | 6.0 |
| Greenwood Elementary School | 6.8 |
| Hubbell Elementary | 7.2 |
| Callanan Middle School | 4.2 |
| Ruby Van Meter | 5.1 |
| Windsor Elementary | 6.2 |
| Brody Middle School | 2.8 |
| Downtown School | 6.2 |
| Perkins Elementary School | 5.0 |
| Jefferson Elementary School | 4.8 |
| Cowles Elementary School | 6.0 |
| Edmunds Elementary School | 5.7 |
| Walnut Street School | 5.0 |
| Hillis Elementary School | 5.5 |
| King Elementary School | 7.2 |
| Monroe Elementary School | 7.3 |
| Clive Learning Academy | 7.6 |
| Park Ave Elementary School | 3.8 |
| Jessie Franklin Taylor | 5.5 |
Showing 20 of 57 schools. View all schools in Des Moines
Demographics sourced from NCES Private School Survey (PSS) and Common Core of Data (CCD). Comparisons are based on enrollment-weighted averages.
Score Breakdown
What This Rating Measures
This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in IA.
Data Unavailable
View data sources
Score basis: Private school model
Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data
Components scored: 4 of 5
Ranking pool: Private schools in IA
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 14 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)
Location
100 45TH ST, Des Moines, IA 50312
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Bergman Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. MT OLIVE LUTHERAN SCHOOL (rated 8.5/10, 2.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Hubbell Elementary (rated 7.2/10, 1.1 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Greenwood Elementary School (rated 6.8/10, 0.8 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Des Moines, see our Des Moines schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| ST AUGUSTIN CATHOLIC SCHOOL Des Moines | 0.5 mi | 5.2 |
| Merrill Middle School Des Moines | 0.7 mi | 6.0 |
| Hanawalt Elementary Des Moines | 0.7 mi | 6.7 |
| Greenwood Elementary School Des Moines | 0.8 mi | 6.8 |
| Roosevelt High School Des Moines | 1.1 mi | 6.5 |
| Hubbell Elementary Des Moines | 1.1 mi | 7.2 |
| Callanan Middle School Des Moines | 1.5 mi | 4.2 |
| Ruby Van Meter Des Moines | 1.6 mi | 5.1 |
| AIRAZI ACADEMY West Des Moines | 1.6 mi | — |
| Windsor Elementary Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 6.2 |
| Hillside Elementary School West Des Moines | 1.6 mi | 5.5 |
| ST THERESA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Des Moines | 2.0 mi | 6.7 |
| Perkins Elementary School Des Moines | 2.2 mi | 5.0 |
| Walnut Creek Campus West Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 5.3 |
| Brody Middle School Des Moines | 2.1 mi | 2.8 |
| MT OLIVE LUTHERAN SCHOOL Des Moines | 2.6 mi | 8.5 |
| Cowles Elementary School Des Moines | 2.5 mi | 6.0 |
| Downtown School Des Moines | 2.1 mi | 6.2 |
| Virtual Campus Des Moines | 2.1 mi | 3.5 |
| Jefferson Elementary School Des Moines | 2.5 mi | 4.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50312 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$82,720
Median Home Value
$274,400
Median Rent
$1,057/mo
Population
15,492
College Educated
61.9%
Homeownership
64.5%
Avg Commute
15.8 min
Poverty Rate
8%
Median Age
40.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Bergman Academy has a median household income of $82,720. It is a well-educated community where 62% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $274,400, with a median rent of $1,057/month. The local poverty rate of 8.0% is relatively low. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 16 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Brooklyn-Guernsey-Malcom Elementary School Brooklyn, IA | 8.2 |
| Clear Creek Elementary School Oxford, IA | 8.2 |
| J C Hoglan Elementary School Marshalltown, IA | 8.2 |
| Moville Elementary School Moville, IA | 8.2 |
| Wings Park Elementary School Oelwein, IA | 8.2 |
| Audubon Elementary School Audubon, IA | 8.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bergman Academy
What grades does Bergman Academy serve?
Bergman Academy serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Bergman Academy?
Bergman Academy has an enrollment of approximately 273 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Bergman Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Bergman Academy is 7.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.
How does Bergman Academy rank in IA?
Bergman Academy is ranked #8 out of 157 private schools in IA.
What is Bergman Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Bergman Academy has a composite rating of 8.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Bergman Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Bergman Academy has 95.2% math proficiency and 99.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Bergman Academy a private school?
Yes, Bergman Academy is a private coeducational school with a Nonsectarian affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.
Is Bergman Academy a religious school?
No, Bergman Academy is a nonsectarian (non-religious) private school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 273
- Gender Split
- 48% M / 52% F
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 7.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 38
- Type
- private
- Coed Status
- coed
- Affiliation
- Nonsectarian
- School Day
- 7 hours
- Days Per Year
- 175 days
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- POLK
- Phone
- (515) 274-0453
- Data Year
- 2022–2023
Resources & Links
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
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