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Needs Improvement

#1216 of 1,280 schools in IA

Studebaker Elementary School

Elementary School · Des Moines Independent Comm School District

300 E County Line Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315

Enrollment

553

Student-Teacher

14.6:1

Score

3.1

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,216 of 1,280

In Des Moines

#51 of 64

public schools

In district

#46 of 59

Des Moines Independent Comm School District

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Studebaker Elementary School

3.1/10

Elementary School in Des Moines · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Mccombs Middle School

4.9/10

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

Mitchell Early Childhood Center

2.6/10

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

About Studebaker Elementary School

Studebaker Elementary School is a public elementary school in Des Moines, IA, part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District. Studebaker Elementary School serves approximately 553 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 14.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Studebaker Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.1 out of 10 and ranks #1,216 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Studebaker Elementary School show 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.5 pts below district
  • This school 3.1 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 4.6
  • IA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

44% of students at Studebaker Elementary 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 metrics
Student Progress2.6Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.75 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.2Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency43.8% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency49.2% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-32.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-19.9 pts
Overall Proficiency47% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)51% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-4.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile13th
Resources & Environment4.1Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,518
Chronic Absenteeism43.9%

Studebaker Elementary School — Students at Studebaker Elementary School score 47% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 51%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

80.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 52.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
74.6% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 52.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
72.3% (2025 ISASP)

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

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
62%
ELA
71%
2010
Math
66%
ELA
71%
2011
Math
62%
ELA
57%
2012
Math
56%
ELA
59%
2013
Math
57%
ELA
58%
2014
Math
66%
ELA
62%
2015
Math
63%
ELA
60%
2016
Math
55%
ELA
60%
2017
Math
49%
ELA
55%
2018
Math
53%
ELA
45%
2019
Math
53%
ELA
45%
2020*
Math
34%
ELA
31%
2021*
Math
34%
ELA
31%
2022
Math
43%
ELA
43%
2025
Math
43.8%
ELA
49.2%

* 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: 2.6/10.

How Studebaker Elementary School Compares

See how Studebaker Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.1/10
5th percentile in IA
Academic
3.2/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
2.6/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.1/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
80%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
38 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
43.9%

Programs & Offerings

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

300 E County Line Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Studebaker Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. DES MOINES ADVENTIST SCHOOL (rated 6.5/10, 3.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST ANTHONY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 6.5/10, 4.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, CHRIST THE KING SCHOOL (rated 6.0/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Des Moines, see our Des Moines schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.2 mi
School Distance Rating
McCombs Middle School Des Moines 0.4 mi 4.9
Mitchell Early Childhood Center Des Moines 1.5 mi 2.6
Lovejoy Elementary School Des Moines 1.6 mi 3.5
CHRIST THE KING SCHOOL Des Moines 1.5 mi 6.0
Morris Elementary School Des Moines 1.6 mi 4.2
South Union Elementary School Des Moines 2.3 mi 4.3
Wright Elementary School Des Moines 2.2 mi 5.5
Jackson Elementary School Des Moines 2.7 mi 3.5
Weeks Middle School Des Moines 2.9 mi 4.1
Park Ave Elementary School Des Moines 3.1 mi 3.1
Howe Elementary Des Moines 3.2 mi 4.6
Lincoln High School Des Moines 3.5 mi 2.5
DES MOINES ADVENTIST SCHOOL Des Moines 3.2 mi 6.5
Jefferson Elementary School Des Moines 3.2 mi 3.4
River Woods Elementary School Des Moines 3.6 mi 4.7
Brody Middle School Des Moines 3.7 mi 3.3
ST ANTHONY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Des Moines 4.1 mi 6.5
McKinley Elementary School Des Moines 4.2 mi 3.3
Norwalk Senior High School Norwalk 4.1 mi 5.8
Norwalk Middle School Norwalk 4.2 mi 6.1

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
Park Ave Elementary School Des Moines, IA 3.1
Liberty Elementary School Ottumwa, IA 3.2
Prescott Elementary School Dubuque, IA 3.0
Tiffin Elementary Tiffin, IA 3.0
Duncombe Elementary School Fort Dodge, IA 3.3
Heritage Elementary Grimes, IA 3.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Studebaker Elementary School

What grades does Studebaker Elementary School serve?

Studebaker Elementary School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Studebaker Elementary School?

Studebaker Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 553 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Studebaker Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Studebaker Elementary School is 14.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Studebaker Elementary School rank in IA?

Studebaker Elementary School ranks #1,216 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Studebaker Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Studebaker Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.1 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 Studebaker Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Studebaker Elementary School has 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Studebaker Elementary School a charter school?

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

Is Studebaker Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Studebaker Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Studebaker Elementary School?

80.3% of students at Studebaker Elementary 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
15 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
33 Some Transit
Bike Score
27 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
553
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
38
Free/Reduced Lunch
80.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Polk County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
43.9%

District

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

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