For the 2024-25 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 8,901 students in West Des Moines, IA (there are 9 private schools, serving 3,094 private students). 74% of all K-12 students in West Des Moines, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in West Des Moines, IA are Brookview Elementary School, Maple Grove Elementary School and Westridge Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
West Des Moines, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 69% (versus the Iowa public school average of 64%), and reading proficiency score of 74% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in West Des Moines have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in West Des Moines, IA (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Brookview Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8000 E.p. True Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 987-5166
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 987-5166
Grades: K-5
| 603 students
Rank: #22.
Maple Grove Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1455 98th St
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 987-3363
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 987-3363
Grades: K-5
| 439 students
Rank: #33.
Westridge Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
5500 E P True Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 633-5400
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 633-5400
Grades: PK-6
| 748 students
Rank: #44.
Jordan Creek Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4105 Fuller Rd
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-5200
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-5200
Grades: PK-6
| 647 students
Rank: #55.
Woodland Hills Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1120 South 95th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 987-5196
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 987-5196
Grades: K-5
| 537 students
Rank: #66.
Crossroads Park Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1050 50th St
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 633-5600
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 633-5600
Grades: K-6
| 521 students
Rank: #77.
Fairmeadows Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
807 23rd St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6500
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6500
Grades: PK-6
| 569 students
Rank: #88.
Valley High School
Magnet School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3650 Woodland Ave
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 633-4000
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 633-4000
Grades: 10-12
| 2,152 students
Rank: #99.
Stilwell Junior High School
Magnet School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1601 Vine St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6000
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6000
Grades: 7-8
| 684 students
Rank: #1010.
Valley Southwoods
Magnet School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
625 S 35th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-4500
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-4500
Grades: 9
| 687 students
Rank: #1111.
Hillside Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
713 8th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6200
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6200
Grades: PK-6
| 559 students
Rank: #1212.
Western Hills Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
600 39th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-5900
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-5900
Grades: PK-6
| 579 students
Rank: #1313.
Walnut Creek Campus
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1020 8th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6480
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6480
Grades: 9-12
| 147 students
Rank: n/an/a
Learning Resource Center
Magnet School
3350 Mills Civic Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-5071
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-5071
Grades: PK
| 29 students
West Des Moines, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1020 8th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6300
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6300
Grades: K-6
| 259 students
415 7th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6600
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6600
Grades: PK-3
| 180 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in West Des Moines, IA?
The top ranked public schools in West Des Moines, IA include Brookview Elementary School, Maple Grove Elementary School and Westridge Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in West Des Moines?
14 public schools are located in West Des Moines.
What percentage of students in West Des Moines go to public school?
74% of all K-12 students in West Des Moines are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in West Des Moines?
West Des Moines public schools minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in West Des Moines are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in West Des Moines include: Western Hills Elementary School vs. Fairmeadows Elementary School, Crossroads Park Elementary School vs. Western Hills Elementary School, Fairmeadows Elementary School vs. Western Hills Elementary School
Recent Articles
College Application Requirement for High School Graduation? DC Weighs Possibility
The article discusses a proposal in Washington D.C. to make college applications a requirement for high school graduation. It examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a policy, including its impact on graduation rates and college attendance. The piece also considers similar initiatives in other states and the debate surrounding this approach
Bribing Students to Get Good Grades: The Debate
This piece explores the controversial practice of offering monetary rewards to students for good grades. It examines studies conducted in various cities, discussing the effectiveness of such programs and the ethical concerns they raise. The article presents arguments from both supporters and critics of this approach to student motivation.
September 27, 2024
Understanding RubricsThis article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.