Serving 391 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Cowles Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 75-79% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 64%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 85-89% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 391 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 22%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Cowles Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Cowles Elementary School's student population of 391 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
391 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Students by Grade
School Calendar
School Rankings
Cowles Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,233 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cowles Elementary School is 0.38, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.46. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#127 out of 1233 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
64%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
85-89%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
85-89%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
3%
2%
Hispanic
6%
13%
Black
2%
7%
White
78%
72%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
13%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cowles Elementary School's ranking?
Cowles Elementary School is ranked #127 out of 1,233 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Cowles Elementary School often compared to?
Cowles Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Fairmeadows Elementary School, Hanawalt Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
75-79% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% IA state average), while 85-89% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Cowles Elementary School?
391 students attend Cowles Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
78% of Cowles Elementary School students are White, 10% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Cowles Elementary School?
Cowles Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Cowles Elementary School offer ?
Cowles Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Cowles Elementary School part of?
Cowles Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
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