Needs Improvement
#1274 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
2.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
387
Student-Teacher
19.4:1
Score
2.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#1,274 of 1,280
In Des Moines
#64 of 64
public schools
In district
#59 of 59
Des Moines Independent Comm School District
Shortlisting around Virtual Campus?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
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Virtual Campus
High School in Des Moines · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Downtown School
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Edmunds Elementary School
0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Virtual Campus
Virtual Campus is a public high school in Des Moines, IA, part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District. Virtual Campus serves approximately 387 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 19.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Virtual Campus has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.1 out of 10 and ranks #1,274 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for Virtual Campus show 34% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2025) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2025).
- This school 2.1 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 3.2
- IA avg 6.0
What Parents Should Know
Virtual Campus is a virtual school, so instruction happens mostly online. That flexibility suits some kids and frustrates others; it asks a lot of self-discipline and a steady setup at home. Think about whether your child learns well on their own, and ask how the school keeps students engaged.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
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Virtual Campus — Students at Virtual Campus score 38% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 60%).
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 13 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: 1.1/10.
How Virtual Campus Compares
See how Virtual Campus 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
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 4.1/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Lincoln High School (rated 2.5/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores slightly higher. 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 | 5.8 |
| Edmunds Elementary School Des Moines | 0.8 mi | 6.0 |
| Walnut Street School Des Moines | 0.7 mi | 6.0 |
| Ruby Van Meter Des Moines | 0.8 mi | 2.5 |
| Callanan Middle School Des Moines | 1.0 mi | 4.3 |
| King Elementary School Des Moines | 1.4 mi | 3.2 |
| Greenwood Elementary School Des Moines | 1.3 mi | 6.0 |
| Lincoln High School Des Moines | 1.7 mi | 2.5 |
| Moulton Elementary School Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 4.7 |
| Jessie Franklin Taylor Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 3.0 |
| ST ANTHONY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Des Moines | 1.5 mi | 6.5 |
| Brody Middle School Des Moines | 2.0 mi | 3.3 |
| Park Ave Elementary School Des Moines | 2.1 mi | 3.1 |
| Hubbell Elementary Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 5.3 |
| Carver Elementary Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 3.8 |
| Monroe Elementary School Des Moines | 2.3 mi | 4.6 |
| 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 | 3.4 |
| Roosevelt High School Des Moines | 2.0 mi | 4.1 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Washington High School Washington, IA | 3.1 |
| Oelwein High School Oelwein, IA | 3.2 |
| Clarke Community High School Osceola, IA | 3.3 |
| Dubuque Online School Dubuque, IA | — |
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 ranks #1,274 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Virtual Campus's MySchoolScout rating?
Virtual Campus has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.1 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 Virtual Campus?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Virtual Campus has 34% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2025) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2025).
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
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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
- 4-Year Graduation
- 52.0%
Resources & Links
District
Des Moines Independent Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 30,277
- Schools in District
- 59
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,518
- District Rank
- #59 of 59
Other Schools in This District
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