Needs Improvement
#1214 of 1,280 schools in IA
Hiatt Middle School
Middle School · Des Moines Independent Comm School District
1430 E. University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
Enrollment
466
Student-Teacher
12.9:1
Score
3.1
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
466
Student-Teacher
12.9:1
Score
3.1
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#1,214 of 1,280
In Des Moines
#49 of 64
public schools
In district
#44 of 59
Des Moines Independent Comm School District
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Hiatt Middle School
Middle School in Des Moines · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
East High School
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Holy Family School
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Hiatt Middle School
Hiatt Middle School is a public middle school in Des Moines, IA, part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District. Hiatt Middle School serves approximately 466 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 12.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Hiatt Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.1 out of 10 and ranks #1,214 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for Hiatt Middle School show 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 3.1 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 4.0
- IA avg 6.7
What Parents Should Know
65% of students at Hiatt 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
Hiatt Middle School — Students at Hiatt Middle School score 40% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
83.7%
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
↓ 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: 3.7/10.
How Hiatt Middle School Compares
See how Hiatt 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
1430 E. University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Hiatt Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL (rated 8.4/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is JOSHUA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (rated 8.2/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Willard Elementary School (rated 7.4/10, 2.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Des Moines, see our Des Moines schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| East High School Des Moines | 0.3 mi | 2.4 |
| HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL Des Moines | 0.4 mi | 8.4 |
| JOSHUA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Des Moines | 0.5 mi | 8.2 |
| Capitol View Elementary School Des Moines | 0.7 mi | 5.0 |
| Carver Elementary Des Moines | 0.7 mi | 3.8 |
| Cattell Elementary School Des Moines | 1.6 mi | 5.3 |
| Phillips Elementary Des Moines | 1.5 mi | 3.6 |
| Findley Elementary School Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 4.0 |
| McKinley Elementary School Des Moines | 2.0 mi | 3.3 |
| North High School Des Moines | 1.7 mi | 3.8 |
| Moulton Elementary School Des Moines | 1.5 mi | 4.7 |
| Harding Middle School Des Moines | 2.0 mi | 2.9 |
| Garton Elementary Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Madison Elementary School Des Moines | 2.2 mi | 2.8 |
| ST ANTHONY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Des Moines | 2.2 mi | 6.5 |
| Walnut Street School Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Oak Park Des Moines | 2.5 mi | 3.0 |
| Willard Elementary School Des Moines | 2.2 mi | 7.4 |
| Edmunds Elementary School Des Moines | 2.1 mi | 6.0 |
| Jessie Franklin Taylor Des Moines | 2.2 mi | 3.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50316 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$53,090
Median Home Value
$137,300
Median Rent
$963/mo
Population
16,188
College Educated
12.7%
Homeownership
66.5%
Avg Commute
19.1 min
Poverty Rate
19.3%
Median Age
31.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Brody Middle School Des Moines, IA | 3.3 |
| Harding Middle School Des Moines, IA | 2.9 |
| Edward Stone Middle School Burlington, IA | 2.8 |
| Hoyt Middle School Des Moines, IA | 3.6 |
| Oelwein Middle School Oelwein, IA | 2.5 |
| Wood Intermediate Davenport, IA | 3.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Hiatt Middle School
What grades does Hiatt Middle School serve?
Hiatt Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Hiatt Middle School?
Hiatt Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 466 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Hiatt Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Hiatt Middle School is 12.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Hiatt Middle School rank in IA?
Hiatt Middle School ranks #1,214 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Hiatt Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Hiatt Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.1 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 Hiatt Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Hiatt Middle School has 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Hiatt Middle School a charter school?
No, Hiatt Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Hiatt Middle School a Title I school?
No, Hiatt Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Hiatt Middle School?
83.7% of students at Hiatt 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 466
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 36
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 83.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Polk County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 64.8%
- Phone
- (515) 242-7774
Resources & Links
District
Des Moines Independent Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 30,277
- Schools in District
- 59
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,518
- District Rank
- #44 of 59
Other Schools in This District
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