Needs Improvement
#1262 of 1,280 schools in IA
Lincoln High School
High School · Des Moines Independent Comm School District
2600 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
Enrollment
2,441
Student-Teacher
27.4:1
Score
2.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,441
Student-Teacher
27.4:1
Score
2.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#1,262 of 1,280
In Des Moines
#60 of 64
public schools
In district
#55 of 59
Des Moines Independent Comm School District
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Lincoln High School
High School in Des Moines · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Park Ave Elementary School
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
St Anthony Elementary School
0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Lincoln High School
Lincoln High School is a public high school in Des Moines, IA, part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District. Lincoln High School serves approximately 2,441 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 27.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Lincoln High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,262 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for Lincoln High School show 53% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 2.5 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 3.2
- IA avg 6.0
What Parents Should Know
Lincoln High School is a large school: 2,441 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.
Lincoln High School runs 27.4:1 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.
51% of students at Lincoln 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
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Lincoln High School — Students at Lincoln High School score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
66.3%
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: 2.9/10.
How Lincoln High School Compares
See how Lincoln High 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
2600 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Lincoln High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. ST ANTHONY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 6.5/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is DES MOINES ADVENTIST SCHOOL (rated 6.5/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Walnut Street School (rated 6.0/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Des Moines, see our Des Moines schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Park Ave Elementary School Des Moines | 0.4 mi | 3.1 |
| ST ANTHONY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Des Moines | 0.9 mi | 6.5 |
| South Union Elementary School Des Moines | 1.3 mi | 4.3 |
| Howe Elementary Des Moines | 1.2 mi | 4.6 |
| Walnut Street School Des Moines | 1.6 mi | 6.0 |
| McKinley Elementary School Des Moines | 1.3 mi | 3.3 |
| Wright Elementary School Des Moines | 1.6 mi | 5.5 |
| DES MOINES ADVENTIST SCHOOL Des Moines | 1.4 mi | 6.5 |
| Brody Middle School Des Moines | 1.4 mi | 3.3 |
| Downtown School Des Moines | 1.7 mi | 5.8 |
| Virtual Campus Des Moines | 1.7 mi | 2.1 |
| Jefferson Elementary School Des Moines | 1.5 mi | 3.4 |
| Weeks Middle School Des Moines | 1.5 mi | 4.1 |
| Mitchell Early Childhood Center Des Moines | 2.0 mi | 2.6 |
| CHRIST THE KING SCHOOL Des Moines | 2.0 mi | 6.0 |
| Edmunds Elementary School Des Moines | 2.3 mi | 6.0 |
| Lovejoy Elementary School Des Moines | 2.3 mi | 3.5 |
| Jackson Elementary School Des Moines | 2.0 mi | 3.5 |
| Morris Elementary School Des Moines | 2.6 mi | 4.2 |
| Carver Elementary Des Moines | 2.7 mi | 3.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50315 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$62,036
Median Home Value
$164,000
Median Rent
$977/mo
Population
35,349
College Educated
18.5%
Homeownership
61.2%
Avg Commute
22.5 min
Poverty Rate
13.1%
Median Age
36.8
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| East High School Des Moines, IA | 2.4 |
| North High School Sioux City, IA | 3.0 |
| Thomas Jefferson High School Cedar Rapids, IA | 3.0 |
| Hempstead High School Dubuque, IA | 3.7 |
| Marshalltown High School Marshalltown, IA | 3.7 |
| North High School Des Moines, IA | 3.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Lincoln High School
What grades does Lincoln High School serve?
Lincoln High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Lincoln High School?
Lincoln High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,441 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Lincoln High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Lincoln High School is 27.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Lincoln High School rank in IA?
Lincoln High School ranks #1,262 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Lincoln High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Lincoln High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.5 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 Lincoln High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Lincoln High School has 53% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Lincoln High School a charter school?
No, Lincoln High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Lincoln High School a Title I school?
No, Lincoln High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Lincoln High School?
66.3% of students at Lincoln 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.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,441
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 27.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 89
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 66.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Polk County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 50.9%
- Phone
- (515) 242-7500
- 4-Year Graduation
- 77.0%
Resources & Links
District
Des Moines Independent Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 30,277
- Schools in District
- 59
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,518
- District Rank
- #55 of 59
Other Schools in This District
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