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Below Average

#1112 of 1,280 schools in IA

Hoover High School

High School · Des Moines Independent Comm School District

4800 Aurora Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310

Enrollment

923

Student-Teacher

22.5:1

Score

4.2

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,112 of 1,280

In Des Moines

#31 of 64

public schools

In district

#27 of 59

Des Moines Independent Comm School District

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Hoover High School

4.2/10

High School in Des Moines · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Meredith Middle School

5.5/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Moore Elementary School

6.9/10

0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Hoover High School

Hoover High School is a public high school in Des Moines, IA, part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District. Hoover High School serves approximately 923 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 22.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Hoover High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,112 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Hoover High School show 51% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.0 pts above district
  • This school 4.2 · Below Average
  • District avg 3.2
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

Hoover High School runs 22.5:1 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.

60% of students at Hoover High 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress5.4Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-0.92 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics2.5Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency42.5% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency50.9% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-24 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-26.2 pts
Overall Proficiency47% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)57% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-10.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile8th
College Readiness6.2Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate78%
AP Participation9.4%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment1.7Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,518
Chronic Absenteeism60.1%

Hoover High School — Students at Hoover High School score 47% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 57%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

69.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 50.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
67.3% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 53.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
74.2% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 35 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
55%
ELA
58%
2010
Math
50%
ELA
53%
2011
Math
62%
ELA
61%
2012
Math
56%
ELA
60%
2013
Math
61%
ELA
52%
2014
Math
66%
ELA
54%
2015
Math
63%
ELA
58%
2016
Math
56%
ELA
55%
2017
Math
57%
ELA
51%
2018
Math
39%
ELA
42%
2019
Math
39%
ELA
42%
2020*
Math
46%
ELA
55%
2021*
Math
46%
ELA
55%
2022
Math
42%
ELA
55%
2025
Math
42.5%
ELA
50.9%

* 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: 5.4/10.

How Hoover High School Compares

See how Hoover High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.2/10
13th percentile in IA
Academic
2.5/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
5.4/10
Average
Environment
1.7/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
2
State avg: 1.7
Sports
19
10 boys' · 9 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
70%
Teaching Staff
23:1 student-teacher ratio
41 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
60.1%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered IB Programme
9.4% participation·State avg: 1.7 AP courses·31 IB enrolled·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics19sports offered
10 boys'·9 girls'·19 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

4800 Aurora Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Hoover High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. MT OLIVE LUTHERAN SCHOOL (rated 8.5/10, 1.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Olmsted Elementary School (rated 8.4/10, 1.6 miles away, in nearby Urbandale), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Cowles Elementary School (rated 7.7/10, 2.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Des Moines, see our Des Moines schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Meredith Middle School Des Moines 0.1 mi 5.5
Moore Elementary School Des Moines 0.6 mi 6.9
Samuelson Elementary School Des Moines 0.7 mi 5.7
HOLY TRINITY Des Moines 1.0 mi 6.7
Woodlawn Early Childhood Center Des Moines 1.0 mi 2.7
Hillis Elementary School Des Moines 1.5 mi 3.0
ST PIUS X CATHOLIC SCHOOL Urbandale 1.3 mi 4.8
MT OLIVE LUTHERAN SCHOOL Des Moines 1.8 mi 8.5
Perkins Elementary School Des Moines 1.9 mi 4.0
Urbandale High School Urbandale 1.6 mi 5.8
Olmsted Elementary School Urbandale 1.6 mi 8.4
Monroe Elementary School Des Moines 2.0 mi 4.6
Cowles Elementary School Des Moines 2.2 mi 7.7
ST THERESA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Des Moines 2.5 mi 6.7
Lawson Elementary School Johnston 2.6 mi 6.8
Karen Acres Elementary School Urbandale 2.1 mi 7.4
Windsor Elementary Des Moines 2.6 mi 6.3
Urbandale Middle School Urbandale 2.1 mi 6.1
Timber Ridge Elementary Johnston 2.3 mi 6.0
Henry A Wallace Elementary School Johnston 2.8 mi 7.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50310 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$74,473

Median Home Value

$213,800

Median Rent

$1,043/mo

Population

31,283

College Educated

36.4%

Homeownership

68.3%

Avg Commute

19.3 min

Poverty Rate

11.6%

Median Age

37.6

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
East High School Waterloo, IA 4.2
George Washington High School Cedar Rapids, IA 4.0
Oskaloosa High School Oskaloosa, IA 4.5
Prairie High School Cedar Rapids, IA 4.5
Expo Alternative Learning Center Waterloo, IA 3.9
Fort Madison High School Fort Madison, IA 3.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Hoover High School

What grades does Hoover High School serve?

Hoover High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Hoover High School?

Hoover High School has an enrollment of approximately 923 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Hoover High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Hoover High School is 22.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Hoover High School rank in IA?

Hoover High School ranks #1,112 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Hoover High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Hoover High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 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 Hoover High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Hoover High School has 51% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Hoover High School a charter school?

No, Hoover High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Hoover High School a Title I school?

No, Hoover High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Hoover High School?

69.7% of students at Hoover High 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
36 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
36 Some Transit
Bike Score
38 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
923
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
41
Free/Reduced Lunch
69.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Polk County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
60.1%
4-Year Graduation
78.0%

District

Des Moines Independent Comm School District
District Enrollment
30,277
Schools in District
59
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,518
District Rank
#27 of 59

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