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Best Public Schools in West Des Moines, IA (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best West Des Moines Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 8,986 students in West Des Moines, IA (there are 9 private schools, serving 3,130 private students). 75% 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 72% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), 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 43% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in West Des Moines, IA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Brookview Elementary School
(Math: 90% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
8000 E.p. True Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 987-5166
Gr: K-5 | 592 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #22.
Maple Grove Elementary School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1455 98th St
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 987-3363
Gr: K-5 | 577 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #33.
Westridge Elementary School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
5500 E P True Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 633-5400
Gr: PK-6 | 744 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #44.
Woodland Hills Elementary School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1120 South 95th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 987-5196
Gr: K-5 | 578 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #55.
Jordan Creek Elementary School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4105 Fuller Rd
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-5200
Gr: PK-6 | 652 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #66.
Crossroads Park Elementary School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1050 50th St
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 633-5600
Gr: K-6 | 530 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #77.
Stilwell Junior High School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1601 Vine St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6000
Gr: 7-8 | 645 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #88.
Fairmeadows Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
807 23rd St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6500
Gr: PK-6 | 542 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #99.
Valley High School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
3650 Woodland Ave
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 633-4000
Gr: 10-12 | 2,178 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #1010.
Valley Southwoods
(Math: 55% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
625 S 35th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-4500
Gr: 9 | 678 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #1111.
Western Hills Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
600 39th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-5900
Gr: PK-6 | 570 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #1212.
Hillside Elementary School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
713 8th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6200
Gr: PK-6 | 548 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #1313.
Walnut Creek Campus
Alternative School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1020 8th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6480
Gr: 9-12 | 152 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: n/an/a
Learning Resource Center
3350 Mills Civic Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-5071
Gr: PK

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?
75% 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 43% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in West Des Moines are often viewed compared to one another?

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