Excellent
#5 of 157 private schools in IA
Top 3% of private schools
Holy Family School
Elementary School
1265 E 9TH ST, Des Moines, IA 50316
Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on 60 schools in Des Moines. Learn more
Enrollment
211
Student-Teacher
10:1
Score
8.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
211
Student-Teacher
10:1
Score
8.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Updated
2021-22
Updated 2021-22
How this school compares
In Des Moines
#2 of 13
public schools
Iowa elementary schools
#3 of 103
About Holy Family School
Holy Family School serves 211 students in kindergarten through eighth grade in Des Moines, Iowa, offering a strong educational foundation with an impressive 10:1 student-teacher ratio. With 21 full-time equivalent teachers, the school provides personalized attention that has contributed to its solid reputation in the state. The school has earned a MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 out of 10 and ranks #30 out of 157 elementary schools in Iowa, placing it in the 82nd percentile statewide.
This performance reflects the dedication of the school community to academic excellence and student success. Located at 1265 E 9th Street in Des Moines' 50316 ZIP code, Holy Family School serves a diverse community where the median household income is $51,803 and median home value is $129,300. The neighborhood has a 22.1% poverty rate, and about 12% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, representing a community where the school plays an important role in providing educational opportunities.
The small class sizes and strong statewide ranking suggest that Holy Family School creates an environment where students receive individualized support and guidance. The school operates within Des Moines' mid-size city setting, offering families both urban conveniences and a close-knit school community atmosphere.
What Parents Should Know
As a private school, Holy Family School 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.
Compare to Public Schools
BetaHow Holy Family School compares to 53 public schools serving similar grades in Des Moines, IA
Student Demographics
Nearby Elementary Schools
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Holy Family School (this school) | 8.4 |
| Carver Elementary | 6.6 |
| Hiatt Middle School | 7.0 |
| Capitol View Elementary School | 4.4 |
| Moulton Elementary School | 7.6 |
| Cattell Elementary School | 7.2 |
| Findley Elementary School | 5.8 |
| Walnut Street School | 5.0 |
| Edmunds Elementary School | 5.7 |
| Phillips Elementary | 6.8 |
| Harding Middle School | 3.2 |
| King Elementary School | 7.2 |
| McKinley Elementary School | 4.2 |
| Madison Elementary School | 3.4 |
| Garton Elementary | 7.8 |
| Downtown School | 6.2 |
| Oak Park | 5.6 |
| Willard Elementary School | 6.3 |
| Ruby Van Meter | 5.1 |
| Goodrell Middle School | 4.3 |
| Callanan Middle School | 4.2 |
Showing 20 of 53 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
1265 E 9TH ST, Des Moines, IA 50316
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Holy Family School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Garton Elementary (rated 7.8/10, 2.2 miles away), with a comparable rating. Another option is Moulton Elementary School (rated 7.6/10, 1.2 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Cattell Elementary School (rated 7.2/10, 1.5 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Des Moines, see our Des Moines schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Carver Elementary Des Moines | 0.3 mi | 6.6 |
| East High School Des Moines | 0.4 mi | 4.3 |
| Hiatt Middle School Des Moines | 0.4 mi | 7.0 |
| Capitol View Elementary School Des Moines | 0.9 mi | 4.4 |
| JOSHUA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Des Moines | 0.9 mi | 8.2 |
| Moulton Elementary School Des Moines | 1.2 mi | 7.6 |
| Cattell Elementary School Des Moines | 1.5 mi | 7.2 |
| North High School Des Moines | 1.4 mi | 5.3 |
| Findley Elementary School Des Moines | 1.6 mi | 5.8 |
| Harding Middle School Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 3.2 |
| Walnut Street School Des Moines | 1.6 mi | 5.0 |
| McKinley Elementary School Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 4.2 |
| Madison Elementary School Des Moines | 2.1 mi | 3.4 |
| ST ANTHONY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Des Moines | 2.1 mi | 6.5 |
| Edmunds Elementary School Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 5.7 |
| Jessie Franklin Taylor Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 5.5 |
| Phillips Elementary Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 6.8 |
| King Elementary School Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 7.2 |
| Oak Park Des Moines | 2.3 mi | 5.6 |
| Garton Elementary Des Moines | 2.2 mi | 7.8 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Holy Family School has a median household income of $53,090. It is a community where 13% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $137,300, with a median rent of $963/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.3%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 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 |
|---|---|
| Dunkerton Elementary Dunkerton, IA | 8.4 |
| Durant Elementary School Sumner, IA | 8.4 |
| East Campus Elementary School Waukon, IA | 8.4 |
| West Union Elementary School West Union, IA | 8.4 |
| Alta Elementary School Alta, IA | 8.3 |
| Anson Elementary School Marshalltown, IA | 8.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Holy Family School
What grades does Holy Family School serve?
Holy Family School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend Holy Family School?
Holy Family School has an enrollment of approximately 211 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Holy Family School?
The student-teacher ratio at Holy Family School is 10:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.
How does Holy Family School rank in IA?
Holy Family School is ranked #5 out of 157 private schools in IA.
What is Holy Family School's MySchoolScout rating?
Holy Family School has a composite rating of 8.4 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 Holy Family School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Holy Family School has 77.9% math proficiency and 83.8% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Holy Family School a private school?
Yes, Holy Family School is a private coeducational school with a Roman Catholic affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.
Is Holy Family School a religious school?
Holy Family School has a Roman Catholic religious affiliation.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 211
- Gender Split
- 71% M / 29% F
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 21
- Type
- private
- Coed Status
- coed
- Affiliation
- Roman Catholic
- School Day
- 7 hours
- Days Per Year
- 192 days
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- POLK
- Phone
- (515) 262-8025
- 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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