Average
#804 of 1,280 schools in IA
Downtown School
Elementary School · Des Moines Independent Comm School District
1800 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Enrollment
235
Student-Teacher
29.4:1
Score
5.8
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
235
Student-Teacher
29.4:1
Score
5.8
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#804 of 1,280
In Des Moines
#14 of 64
public schools
In district
#10 of 59
Des Moines Independent Comm School District
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Downtown School
Elementary School in Des Moines · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Virtual Campus
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Edmunds Elementary School
0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Downtown School
Downtown School is a public elementary school in Des Moines, IA, part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District. Downtown School serves approximately 235 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 29.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Downtown School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.8 out of 10 and ranks #804 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for Downtown School show 80% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 83% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 5.8 · Average
- District avg 4.6
- IA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
Downtown School runs 29.4:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Downtown School — Students at Downtown School score 80% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 84%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
18.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 35 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.8/10.
How Downtown School Compares
See how Downtown School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1800 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Downtown School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. ST ANTHONY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 6.5/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is DES MOINES ADVENTIST SCHOOL (rated 6.5/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Edmunds Elementary School (rated 6.0/10, 0.8 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Des Moines, see our Des Moines schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Campus Des Moines | 0.0 mi | 2.1 |
| Edmunds Elementary School Des Moines | 0.8 mi | 6.0 |
| Walnut Street School Des Moines | 0.7 mi | 6.0 |
| Ruby Van Meter Des Moines | 0.8 mi | 2.5 |
| Callanan Middle School Des Moines | 1.0 mi | 4.3 |
| King Elementary School Des Moines | 1.4 mi | 3.2 |
| Greenwood Elementary School Des Moines | 1.3 mi | 6.0 |
| Lincoln High School Des Moines | 1.7 mi | 2.5 |
| Moulton Elementary School Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 4.7 |
| Jessie Franklin Taylor Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 3.0 |
| ST ANTHONY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Des Moines | 1.5 mi | 6.5 |
| Brody Middle School Des Moines | 2.0 mi | 3.3 |
| Park Ave Elementary School Des Moines | 2.1 mi | 3.1 |
| Hubbell Elementary Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 5.3 |
| Carver Elementary Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 3.8 |
| Monroe Elementary School Des Moines | 2.3 mi | 4.6 |
| ST AUGUSTIN CATHOLIC SCHOOL Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 5.2 |
| DES MOINES ADVENTIST SCHOOL Des Moines | 2.4 mi | 6.5 |
| Jefferson Elementary School Des Moines | 2.5 mi | 3.4 |
| Roosevelt High School Des Moines | 2.0 mi | 4.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50309 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$57,974
Median Home Value
$286,900
Median Rent
$1,166/mo
Population
9,199
College Educated
66.8%
Homeownership
11.7%
Poverty Rate
17.1%
Median Age
28.9
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| AGWSR Elementary School Ackley, IA | 5.8 |
| Columbus Elementary School Chariton, IA | 5.8 |
| Hills Elementary School Hills, IA | 5.8 |
| Mid-Prairie East Elementary School Kalona, IA | 5.8 |
| Mid-Prairie West Elementary School Wellman, IA | 5.8 |
| Nodland Elementary School Sioux City, IA | 5.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Downtown School
What grades does Downtown School serve?
Downtown School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend Downtown School?
Downtown School has an enrollment of approximately 235 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Downtown School?
The student-teacher ratio at Downtown School is 29.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Downtown School rank in IA?
Downtown School ranks #804 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Downtown School's MySchoolScout rating?
Downtown School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.8 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Downtown School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Downtown School has 80% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 83% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Downtown School a charter school?
No, Downtown School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Downtown School a Title I school?
No, Downtown School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Downtown School?
18.7% of students at Downtown School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 235
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 29.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 8
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 18.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Polk County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 14.5%
- Phone
- (515) 284-5848
Resources & Links
District
Des Moines Independent Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 30,277
- Schools in District
- 59
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,518
- District Rank
- #10 of 59
Other Schools in This District
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