For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 1,254 students in 50316, IA.
The top-ranked public preschools in 50316, IA are Madison Elementary School, Capitol View Elementary School and Carver Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public preschools in zipcode 50316 have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Iowa public pre school average of 73%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 69% statewide average). Pre schools in 50316, IA have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public preschool average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Best 50316, IA Public Preschools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Madison Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
806 E Hoffman St
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8420
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8420
Gr: PK-5 | 285 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #22.
Capitol View Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
320 E. 16th
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8402
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8402
Gr: PK-5 | 533 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #33.
Carver Elementary School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
705 E University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8418
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-8418
Gr: PK-5 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in 50316, IA?
The top-ranked public preschools in 50316, IA include Madison Elementary School, Capitol View Elementary School and Carver Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in 50316?
3 public preschools are located in 50316.
What is the racial composition of students in 50316?
50316 public preschools minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public preschools average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.