Average
#715 of 1,280 schools in IA
Merrill Middle School
Middle School · Des Moines Independent Comm School District
5301 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Enrollment
651
Student-Teacher
17.6:1
Score
6.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
651
Student-Teacher
17.6:1
Score
6.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#715 of 1,280
In Des Moines
#8 of 64
public schools
In district
#5 of 59
Des Moines Independent Comm School District
Academic growth
7.8 / 10
Very Good
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Merrill Middle School
Middle School in Des Moines · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Hanawalt Elementary
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Bergman Academy
0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Merrill Middle School
Merrill Middle School is a public middle school in Des Moines, IA, part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District. Merrill Middle School serves approximately 651 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 17.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Merrill Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10 and ranks #715 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for Merrill Middle School show 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 75% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.2 · Average
- District avg 4.0
- IA avg 6.7
What Parents Should Know
31% of students at Merrill 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
Merrill Middle School — Students at Merrill Middle School score 75% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 75%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
36.4%
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
→ StableAverage 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: 7.8/10.
How Merrill Middle School Compares
See how Merrill 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
5301 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Merrill Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Stilwell Junior High School (rated 6.5/10, 1.9 miles away, in nearby West Des Moines), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Callanan Middle School (rated 4.3/10, 1.7 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Des Moines, see our Des Moines schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Hanawalt Elementary Des Moines | 0.3 mi | 4.6 |
| BERGMAN ACADEMY Des Moines | 0.7 mi | 8.2 |
| ST AUGUSTIN CATHOLIC SCHOOL Des Moines | 0.7 mi | 5.2 |
| Roosevelt High School Des Moines | 0.8 mi | 4.1 |
| Hubbell Elementary Des Moines | 1.0 mi | 5.3 |
| Windsor Elementary Des Moines | 1.2 mi | 6.3 |
| AIRAZI ACADEMY West Des Moines | 1.0 mi | — |
| ST THERESA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Des Moines | 1.3 mi | 6.7 |
| Hillside Elementary School West Des Moines | 1.2 mi | 4.9 |
| Greenwood Elementary School Des Moines | 1.2 mi | 6.0 |
| Walnut Creek Campus West Des Moines | 1.3 mi | 3.7 |
| Perkins Elementary School Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 4.0 |
| Cowles Elementary School Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 7.7 |
| MT OLIVE LUTHERAN SCHOOL Des Moines | 2.0 mi | 8.5 |
| Callanan Middle School Des Moines | 1.7 mi | 4.3 |
| Hillis Elementary School Des Moines | 2.2 mi | 3.0 |
| Ruby Van Meter Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 2.5 |
| Stilwell Junior High School West Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 6.5 |
| DOWLING CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL West Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 5.2 |
| SACRED HEART SCHOOL West Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 5.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50312 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$82,720
Median Home Value
$274,400
Median Rent
$1,057/mo
Population
15,492
College Educated
61.9%
Homeownership
64.5%
Avg Commute
15.8 min
Poverty Rate
8%
Median Age
40.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| George Washington Carver Academy Waterloo, IA | 6.2 |
| Harding Middle School Cedar Rapids, IA | 6.2 |
| Indianola Middle School Indianola, IA | 6.3 |
| George Washington Middle School Dubuque, IA | 6.1 |
| Holmes Junior High School Cedar Falls, IA | 6.1 |
| Norwalk Middle School Norwalk, IA | 6.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Merrill Middle School
What grades does Merrill Middle School serve?
Merrill Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Merrill Middle School?
Merrill Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 651 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Merrill Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Merrill Middle School is 17.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Merrill Middle School rank in IA?
Merrill Middle School ranks #715 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Merrill Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Merrill Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 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 Merrill Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Merrill Middle School has 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 75% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Merrill Middle School a charter school?
No, Merrill Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Merrill Middle School a Title I school?
No, Merrill Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Merrill Middle School?
36.4% of students at Merrill 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
- 651
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 37
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 36.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Polk County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 31.3%
- Phone
- (515) 242-8448
Resources & Links
District
Des Moines Independent Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 30,277
- Schools in District
- 59
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,518
- District Rank
- #5 of 59
Other Schools in This District
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