Needs Improvement
#1237 of 1,280 schools in IA
Harding Middle School
Middle School · Des Moines Independent Comm School District
203 E Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Enrollment
634
Student-Teacher
16.7:1
Score
2.9
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
634
Student-Teacher
16.7:1
Score
2.9
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#1,237 of 1,280
In Des Moines
#55 of 64
public schools
In district
#50 of 59
Des Moines Independent Comm School District
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Harding Middle School
Middle School in Des Moines · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Findley Elementary School
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Madison Elementary School
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Harding Middle School
Harding Middle School is a public middle school in Des Moines, IA, part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District. Harding Middle School serves approximately 634 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 16.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Harding Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,237 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for Harding Middle School show 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 2.9 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 4.0
- IA avg 6.7
What Parents Should Know
57% of students at Harding Middle School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Harding Middle School — Students at Harding Middle School score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 50%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
81.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 28 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 4.2/10.
How Harding Middle School Compares
See how Harding Middle 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
203 E Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Harding Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Woodside Middle School (rated 6.8/10, 2.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Hiatt Middle School (rated 3.1/10, 2.0 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Des Moines, see our Des Moines schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Findley Elementary School Des Moines | 0.3 mi | 4.0 |
| Madison Elementary School Des Moines | 0.6 mi | 2.8 |
| Oak Park Des Moines | 0.6 mi | 3.0 |
| North High School Des Moines | 0.8 mi | 3.8 |
| Cattell Elementary School Des Moines | 0.7 mi | 5.3 |
| Moulton Elementary School Des Moines | 1.5 mi | 4.7 |
| HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 8.4 |
| Jessie Franklin Taylor Des Moines | 1.6 mi | 3.0 |
| Carver Elementary Des Moines | 2.0 mi | 3.8 |
| Hiatt Middle School Des Moines | 2.0 mi | 3.1 |
| East High School Des Moines | 2.2 mi | 2.4 |
| King Elementary School Des Moines | 2.1 mi | 3.2 |
| Saydel High School Des Moines | 2.4 mi | 4.2 |
| JOSHUA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Des Moines | 2.1 mi | 8.2 |
| Cornell Elementary School Des Moines | 2.6 mi | 8.0 |
| Edmunds Elementary School Des Moines | 2.5 mi | 6.0 |
| Woodside Middle School Des Moines | 2.8 mi | 6.8 |
| Capitol View Elementary School Des Moines | 2.6 mi | 5.0 |
| Garton Elementary Des Moines | 2.2 mi | 6.0 |
| Walnut Street School Des Moines | 3.0 mi | 6.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50313 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$64,077
Median Home Value
$161,800
Median Rent
$1,077/mo
Population
18,280
College Educated
16.2%
Homeownership
74%
Avg Commute
17.5 min
Poverty Rate
13.2%
Median Age
37.6
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Edward Stone Middle School Burlington, IA | 2.8 |
| Hiatt Middle School Des Moines, IA | 3.1 |
| Berg Middle School Newton, IA | 3.3 |
| Brody Middle School Des Moines, IA | 3.3 |
| Goodrell Middle School Des Moines, IA | 2.4 |
| Hoyt Middle School Des Moines, IA | 3.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Harding Middle School
What grades does Harding Middle School serve?
Harding Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Harding Middle School?
Harding Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 634 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Harding Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Harding Middle School is 16.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Harding Middle School rank in IA?
Harding Middle School ranks #1,237 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Harding Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Harding Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.9 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 Harding Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Harding Middle School has 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Harding Middle School a charter school?
No, Harding Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Harding Middle School a Title I school?
No, Harding Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Harding Middle School?
81.9% of students at Harding Middle 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
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 634
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 38
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 81.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Polk County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 56.5%
- Phone
- (515) 242-8445
Resources & Links
District
Des Moines Independent Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 30,277
- Schools in District
- 59
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,518
- District Rank
- #50 of 59
Other Schools in This District
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