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Below Average

#1122 of 1,280 schools in IA

Roosevelt High School

High School · Des Moines Independent Comm School District

4419 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50312

Enrollment

2,039

Student-Teacher

30.9:1

Score

4.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,122 of 1,280

In Des Moines

#34 of 64

public schools

In district

#29 of 59

Des Moines Independent Comm School District

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Roosevelt High School

4.1/10

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

Hubbell Elementary

5.3/10

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

St Augustin Catholic School

5.2/10

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

About Roosevelt High School

Roosevelt High School is a public high school in Des Moines, IA, part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District. Roosevelt High School serves approximately 2,039 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 30.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Roosevelt High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 out of 10 and ranks #1,122 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Roosevelt High School show 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.9 pts above district
  • This school 4.1 · Below Average
  • District avg 3.2
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

Roosevelt High School is a large school: 2,039 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.

Roosevelt High School runs 30.9:1 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.

42% of students at Roosevelt 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 Progress3.9Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.28 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.9Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency59.4% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency66.7% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-7.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-10.4 pts
Overall Proficiency63% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)69% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-5.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile20th
College Readiness6.1Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate83%
AP Participation26.6%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.4Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio30.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,518
Chronic Absenteeism42.4%

Roosevelt High School — Students at Roosevelt High School score 63% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 69%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

47.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 64.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
67.3% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 71.5% (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
64%
ELA
72%
2010
Math
73%
ELA
78%
2011
Math
75%
ELA
81%
2012
Math
76%
ELA
82%
2013
Math
74%
ELA
78%
2014
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2015
Math
71%
ELA
74%
2016
Math
76%
ELA
80%
2017
Math
65%
ELA
66%
2018
Math
51%
ELA
55%
2019
Math
51%
ELA
55%
2020*
Math
57%
ELA
72%
2021*
Math
57%
ELA
72%
2022
Math
53%
ELA
69%
2025
Math
59.4%
ELA
66.7%

* 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: 3.9/10.

How Roosevelt High School Compares

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

Overall Score
4.1/10
12th percentile in IA
Academic
3.9/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
3.9/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
1.4/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
2
State avg: 1.7
Sports
15
7 boys' · 8 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
48%
Teaching Staff
31:1 student-teacher ratio
66 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
42.4%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
26.6% participation·State avg: 1.7 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics15sports offered
7 boys'·8 girls'·15 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 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

4419 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50312

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Roosevelt High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. MT OLIVE LUTHERAN SCHOOL (rated 8.5/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is BERGMAN ACADEMY (rated 8.2/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Cowles Elementary School (rated 7.7/10, 1.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Des Moines, see our Des Moines schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Hubbell Elementary Des Moines 0.2 mi 5.3
ST AUGUSTIN CATHOLIC SCHOOL Des Moines 0.7 mi 5.2
Merrill Middle School Des Moines 0.8 mi 6.2
Greenwood Elementary School Des Moines 0.9 mi 6.0
Perkins Elementary School Des Moines 1.1 mi 4.0
BERGMAN ACADEMY Des Moines 1.1 mi 8.2
Hanawalt Elementary Des Moines 1.2 mi 4.6
Callanan Middle School Des Moines 1.0 mi 4.3
Windsor Elementary Des Moines 1.2 mi 6.3
Ruby Van Meter Des Moines 1.2 mi 2.5
ST THERESA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Des Moines 1.2 mi 6.7
MT OLIVE LUTHERAN SCHOOL Des Moines 1.6 mi 8.5
Hillis Elementary School Des Moines 1.8 mi 3.0
Monroe Elementary School Des Moines 1.8 mi 4.6
HOLY TRINITY Des Moines 2.0 mi 6.7
AIRAZI ACADEMY West Des Moines 1.6 mi
Cowles Elementary School Des Moines 1.8 mi 7.7
Hillside Elementary School West Des Moines 1.9 mi 4.9
Walnut Creek Campus West Des Moines 1.9 mi 3.7
Downtown School Des Moines 2.0 mi 5.8

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
East High School Sioux City, IA 4.0
George Washington High School Cedar Rapids, IA 4.0
Central High School Davenport, IA 3.9
Abraham Lincoln High School Council Bluffs, IA 3.8
North High School Des Moines, IA 3.8
Hempstead High School Dubuque, IA 3.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Roosevelt High School

What grades does Roosevelt High School serve?

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

How many students attend Roosevelt High School?

Roosevelt High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,039 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Roosevelt High School is 30.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Roosevelt High School rank in IA?

Roosevelt High School ranks #1,122 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Roosevelt High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Roosevelt High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 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 Roosevelt High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Roosevelt High School has 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Roosevelt High School a charter school?

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

Is Roosevelt High School a Title I school?

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

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

47.9% of students at Roosevelt 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
73 Very Walkable
Transit Score
34 Some Transit
Bike Score
50 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,039
Student-Teacher Ratio
30.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
66
Free/Reduced Lunch
47.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Polk County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
42.4%
4-Year Graduation
83.0%

District

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

How we rate schools

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