Serving 450 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Moulton Elementary 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 40-44% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 64%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 450 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 92%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Moulton Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Moulton Elementary School's student population of 450 students has declined by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Total Students
450 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers

Students by Grade

School Calendar
School Rankings
Moulton Elementary 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 Moulton Elementary School is 0.66, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.47. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1179 out of 1233 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
64%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
70%

Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
63%

Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1

American Indian
1%
n/a

Asian
6%
3%

Hispanic
33%
13%

Black
47%
7%

White
8%
71%

Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
5%
5%

All Ethnic Groups



Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
88%
36%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
5%

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moulton Elementary School's ranking?
Moulton Elementary School is ranked #1179 out of 1,233 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% IA state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Moulton Elementary School?
450 students attend Moulton Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Moulton Elementary School students are Black, 33% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are White, 6% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Moulton Elementary School?
Moulton Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Moulton Elementary School offer ?
Moulton Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5
What school district is Moulton Elementary School part of?
Moulton Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Moulton Elementary School located?
Moulton Elementary School is located in the River Bend neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
School Reviews
Review Moulton Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

What are the Benefits of Magnet Schools?
Kate Barrington has compiled this guide to magnet schools, explaining their unique educational approach, core principles, benefits, and potential considerations for parents seeking alternatives within the public school system.

Uniforms: The Pros and Cons
This comprehensive article explores the pros and cons of school uniforms in public schools. It discusses their impact on safety, learning environment, self-expression, and cost-effectiveness. The piece presents statistics, expert opinions, and arguments from both proponents and opponents, helping parents make informed decisions about uniform policies.

Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.