Needs Improvement
#1259 of 1,280 schools in IA
Virtual Campus
High School · Des Moines Independent Comm School District
1800 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Enrollment
387
Student-Teacher
19.4:1
Score
3.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
387
Student-Teacher
19.4:1
Score
3.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Des Moines
#61 of 64
public schools
Iowa high schools
#330 of 334
In district
#56 of 59
Des Moines Independent Comm School District
About Virtual Campus
Virtual Campus is a public high school located in Des Moines, Iowa, serving students from ninth to twelfth grade. With an enrollment of 387 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 19.4:1, the school aims to provide personalized attention to each student. The faculty consists of 20 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to supporting academic growth.
Academically, Virtual Campus is currently in the lower percentile rankings within Iowa, with a MySchoolScout rating of 2.3 out of 10 and an academic score of 1.9 out of 10. Students show proficiency rates of 57% in ELA/Reading, 32% in Math, and 38% in Science across all grades. While these scores indicate room for improvement, the school is likely focusing on strategies to enhance student development.
Virtual Campus stands in a mid-size city setting within Polk County, offering students access to urban resources while maintaining a smaller community feel. The surrounding area provides diverse opportunities for extracurricular engagement and community involvement, contributing to a well-rounded high school experience.
What Parents Should Know
Virtual Campus is a virtual school, meaning instruction is delivered primarily online. Virtual schools offer flexibility but require strong self-discipline and a reliable home learning environment. Parents should consider whether their child thrives with independent, technology-based learning and ask about the school's approach to student engagement and support.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Virtual Campus — Students at Virtual Campus score 49% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 55%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
64.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 11 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: 1.3/10.
How Virtual Campus Compares
See how Virtual Campus performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 44.5% (2021) to 39% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 74.5% (2021) to 59% (2022).
Location
1800 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Virtual Campus may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Roosevelt High School (rated 6.5/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Lincoln High School (rated 3.8/10, 1.7 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Des Moines, see our Des Moines schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown School Des Moines | 0.0 mi | 6.2 |
| Edmunds Elementary School Des Moines | 0.8 mi | 5.7 |
| Walnut Street School Des Moines | 0.7 mi | 5.0 |
| Ruby Van Meter Des Moines | 0.8 mi | 5.1 |
| Callanan Middle School Des Moines | 1.0 mi | 4.2 |
| King Elementary School Des Moines | 1.4 mi | 7.2 |
| Greenwood Elementary School Des Moines | 1.3 mi | 6.8 |
| Lincoln High School Des Moines | 1.7 mi | 3.8 |
| Moulton Elementary School Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 7.6 |
| Jessie Franklin Taylor Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 5.5 |
| ST ANTHONY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Des Moines | 1.5 mi | 6.5 |
| Brody Middle School Des Moines | 2.0 mi | 2.8 |
| Park Ave Elementary School Des Moines | 2.1 mi | 3.8 |
| Hubbell Elementary Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 7.2 |
| Carver Elementary Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 6.6 |
| Monroe Elementary School Des Moines | 2.3 mi | 7.3 |
| ST AUGUSTIN CATHOLIC SCHOOL Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 5.2 |
| DES MOINES ADVENTIST SCHOOL Des Moines | 2.4 mi | 6.5 |
| Jefferson Elementary School Des Moines | 2.5 mi | 4.8 |
| Roosevelt High School Des Moines | 2.0 mi | 6.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50309 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$57,974
Median Home Value
$286,900
Median Rent
$1,166/mo
Population
9,199
College Educated
66.8%
Homeownership
11.7%
Poverty Rate
17.1%
Median Age
28.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Virtual Campus has a median household income of $57,974. It is a well-educated community where 67% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $286,900, with a median rent of $1,166/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.1%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Washington High School Washington, IA | 3.5 |
| Woodbine High School Woodbine, IA | 3.6 |
| Baxter High School Baxter, IA | 3.7 |
| Nevada High School Nevada, IA | 3.8 |
| Center Point-Urbana High School Center Point, IA | 3.9 |
| Saydel High School Des Moines, IA | 3.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Virtual Campus
What grades does Virtual Campus serve?
Virtual Campus serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Virtual Campus?
Virtual Campus has an enrollment of approximately 387 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Virtual Campus?
The student-teacher ratio at Virtual Campus is 19.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Virtual Campus rank in IA?
Virtual Campus is ranked #1259 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Virtual Campus's MySchoolScout rating?
Virtual Campus has a composite rating of 3.5 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Virtual Campus?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Virtual Campus has 32.1% math proficiency and 56.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Virtual Campus a charter school?
No, Virtual Campus is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Virtual Campus a Title I school?
No, Virtual Campus is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Virtual Campus?
64.1% of students at Virtual Campus 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
- City Safety
- High (3,846/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Des Moines). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 387
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 20
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 64.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Polk County
- Phone
- (515) 242-8502
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Des Moines Independent Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 30,277
- Schools in District
- 59
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,518
- District Rank
- #56 of 59
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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