Serving 655 students in grades 6-8, Harding Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 64%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is lower 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 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 28% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 655 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 83%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Harding Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Harding Middle School's student population of 655 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has declined by 30% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
655 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
Students by Grade
School Calendar
School Rankings
Harding Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,233 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Harding Middle School is 0.76, which is more 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
#1209 out of 1233 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
64%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
13%
2%
Hispanic
34%
13%
Black
28%
7%
White
17%
72%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
82%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harding Middle School's ranking?
Harding Middle School is ranked #1209 out of 1,233 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Harding Middle School often compared to?
Harding Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Weeks Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% IA state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Harding Middle School?
655 students attend Harding Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
34% of Harding Middle School students are Hispanic, 28% of students are Black, 17% of students are White, 13% of students are Asian, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Harding Middle School?
Harding Middle School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Harding Middle School offer ?
Harding Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Harding Middle School part of?
Harding Middle School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Harding Middle School located?
Harding Middle School is located in the Highland Park neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 2 other public schools located in Highland Park.
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