Skip to main content

Below Average

#1116 of 1,280 schools in IA

Saydel High School

High School · Saydel Comm School District

5601 NE 7th St, Des Moines, IA 50313

Enrollment

440

Student-Teacher

15.2:1

Score

4.2

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,116 of 1,280

In Des Moines

#33 of 64

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

Saydel Comm School District

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Saydel High School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Saydel High School

4.2/10

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

Woodside Middle School

6.8/10

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

Cornell Elementary School

8.0/10

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

About Saydel High School

Saydel High School is a public high school in Des Moines, IA, part of Saydel Comm School District. Saydel High School serves approximately 440 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 15.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Saydel High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,116 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Saydel High School show 57% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.8 pts below IA schools
  • This school 4.2 · Below Average
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

37% of students at Saydel 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 Progress2.7Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.73 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics2.5Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency45.1% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency55.3% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-21.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-21.8 pts
Overall Proficiency50% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)63% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-12.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile8th
College Readiness6.5Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate95%+
AP Participation11.1%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.6Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,826
Chronic Absenteeism36.6%

Saydel High School — Students at Saydel High School score 50% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 63%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

58.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 57.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
67.3% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 62.5% (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
62%
ELA
67%
2010
Math
72%
ELA
62%
2011
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2012
Math
67%
ELA
62%
2013
Math
82%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
72%
ELA
67%
2015
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2016
Math
67%
ELA
62%
2017
Math
67%
ELA
62%
2018
Math
52%
ELA
67%
2019
Math
52%
ELA
67%
2020*
Math
39%
ELA
55%
2021*
Math
39%
ELA
55%
2022
Math
30%
ELA
50%
2025
Math
45.1%
ELA
55.3%

* 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: 2.7/10.

How Saydel High School Compares

See how Saydel 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
2.7/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.6/10
Below Average
AP Courses
1
State avg: 1.7
Sports
15
8 boys' · 7 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
58%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
29 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
36.6%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
11.1% participation·State avg: 1.7 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics15sports offered
8 boys'·7 girls'·32 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

5601 NE 7th St, Des Moines, IA 50313

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Saydel High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Ankeny High School (rated 5.8/10, 4.0 miles away, in nearby Ankeny), which scores notably higher. Additionally, North High School (rated 3.8/10, 3.1 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Des Moines, see our Des Moines schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Woodside Middle School Des Moines 0.4 mi 6.8
Cornell Elementary School Des Moines 0.5 mi 8.0
Madison Elementary School Des Moines 2.0 mi 2.8
Oak Park Des Moines 2.2 mi 3.0
Harding Middle School Des Moines 2.4 mi 2.9
Cattell Elementary School Des Moines 2.6 mi 5.3
Findley Elementary School Des Moines 2.7 mi 4.0
North High School Des Moines 3.1 mi 3.8
Crocker Elementary School Ankeny 3.0 mi 7.3
GRAND VIEW CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Des Moines 2.7 mi 4.7
Heritage Elementary Ankeny 3.5 mi 8.5
Garton Elementary Des Moines 3.2 mi 6.0
ONE SCHOOL GLOBAL DES MOINES CAMPUS Des Moines 3.2 mi 5.0
Prairie Trail Elementary Ankeny 3.7 mi 7.6
Goodrell Middle School Des Moines 3.4 mi 2.4
Moulton Elementary School Des Moines 3.9 mi 4.7
Ankeny High School Ankeny 4.0 mi 5.8
Jessie Franklin Taylor Des Moines 3.8 mi 3.0
HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL Des Moines 4.1 mi 8.4
Southview Middle School Ankeny 4.1 mi 5.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50313 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$64,077

Median Home Value

$161,800

Median Rent

$1,077/mo

Population

18,280

College Educated

16.2%

Homeownership

74%

Avg Commute

17.5 min

Poverty Rate

13.2%

Median Age

37.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
North Cedar Jr/Sr High School Clarence, IA 4.2
Okoboji High School Milford, IA 4.1
Durant Junior/Senior High School Durant, IA 4.4
West Liberty High School West Liberty, IA 4.0
Anamosa High School Anamosa, IA 4.5
Expo Alternative Learning Center Waterloo, IA 3.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Saydel High School

What grades does Saydel High School serve?

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

How many students attend Saydel High School?

Saydel High School has an enrollment of approximately 440 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Saydel High School is 15.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Saydel High School rank in IA?

Saydel High School ranks #1,116 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Saydel High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Saydel 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 Saydel High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Saydel High School has 57% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Saydel High School a charter school?

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

Is Saydel High School a Title I school?

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

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

58.4% of students at Saydel 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
9 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
24 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
440
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
29
Free/Reduced Lunch
58.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Polk County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
36.6%
4-Year Graduation
95%+

District

Saydel Comm School District
District Enrollment
1,376
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,826
District Rank
#3 of 3

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.