For the 2025-26 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 479 students in 50309, IA.
The top ranked public elementary schools in 50309, IA are Downtown School and Walnut Street School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 50309 have an average math proficiency score of 67% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 69% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in 50309, IA have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public elementary school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best 50309, IA Public Elementary Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Downtown School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1800 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 284-5848
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 284-5848
Gr: K-5 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #22.
Walnut Street School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
901 Walnut St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-8438
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-8438
Gr: PK-5 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
50309, Iowa 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1800 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Gr: 7-12 | 2 students
1800 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Gr: 6-8
Des Moines Public Charter School (Closed 2013)
Charter School
620 8th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7911
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7911
Gr: 7-9 | 117 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
918 Se 11th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Gr: PK-K | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
1800 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Gr: 6-12 | 118 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
620 8th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 697-5737
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 697-5737
Gr: 6-12 | 50 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Scavo Alternative High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1800 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7589
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7589
Gr: 9-12
1101 9th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Gr: PK-K | 18 students Minority enrollment: 83%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in 50309, IA?
The top ranked public elementary schools in 50309, IA include Downtown School and Walnut Street School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 50309?
2 public elementary schools are located in 50309.
What is the racial composition of students in 50309?
50309 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
10 Advantages of Public Education in 2025
Explore 10 key benefits of public education in 2025, with fresh statistics, expert insights, and real-world examples for parents and educators.
COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on U.S. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (2025)
Explore how COVID-19 continues to affect U.S. public schools in 2025: learning losses, enrollment shifts, mental health, and recovery strategies.