Serving 669 students in grades 6-8, Merrill 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 59% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 64%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 67% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 27% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2024)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 669 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 39%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 59% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 67% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Merrill Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Merrill Middle School's student population of 669 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
669 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
Students by Grade
School Calendar
School Rankings
Merrill Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,221 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Merrill Middle School is 0.59, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.45. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#787 out of 1221 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
59%
64%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
68%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
11%
12%
Black
16%
7%
White
61%
73%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
36%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Merrill Middle School's ranking?
Merrill Middle School is ranked #787 out of 1,221 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Merrill Middle School often compared to?
Merrill Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Callanan Middle School, Brody Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% IA state average), while 67% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average).
How many students attend Merrill Middle School?
669 students attend Merrill Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Merrill Middle School students are White, 16% of students are Black, 11% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Merrill Middle School?
Merrill Middle School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Merrill Middle School offer ?
Merrill Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Merrill Middle School part of?
Merrill Middle School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Merrill Middle School located?
Merrill Middle School is located in the Waterbury neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
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