Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Cowles Elementary School (Ranked Top 30% for 2026) - Windsor Heights, IA
Public School Review - Established 2003

Cowles Elementary School

6401 College Ave
Windsor Heights, IA 50324
(School attendance zone shown in map)
View full size Get directions
: 
8/
10
Top 30%
Tel: (515) 242-7818
cowles.dmschools.org
REQUEST INFO
SAVE SCHOOL
Serving 392 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Cowles Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-74% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 85-89% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 392 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 21%
  • : Top 30% in IA
  • : 70-74% (Top 50%)
  • : 85-89% (Top 5%)
  • : 85-89% (Top 5%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Cowles Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:

Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 5%)
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 5%)

School Overview

Cowles Elementary School's student population of 392 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)

Distribution of Students By Grade Trends

GradeCowles Elementary School
Pre-K84
Kind40
135
238
339
433
531
628
732
832
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Total Students
392 students

Total Students Trends Over Years (1989-2025)

YearCowles Elementary School
2025392
2024403
2023391
2022380
2021392
2020424
2019393
2018408
2017408
2016402
2015399
2014390
2013393
2012363
2011345
2010332
2009323
2008290
2007277
2006269
2005245
2004195
2003192
2002131
2001106
200076
199991
199875
199771
199611
199516
199421
1993169
199235
1991104
199016
198981
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers

Total Classroom Teachers Trends Over Years (1989-2025)

YearCowles Elementary School
202523
202423
202322
202222
202122
202021
201922
201824
201724
201623
201523
201423
201321
201218
201117
201017
200916
200817
200715
200612
200512
200418
200319
200219
200118
200016
199912
199810
199710
199610
19954
199416
199319
199229
199123
19906
19897
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Year Founded
2000
School Calendar
View School Calendar
Campus Size
5 acres

School Rankings

Cowles Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cowles Elementary School is 0.36, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Definition of Terms
This School
State Level (IA)
#316 out of 1223 schools
(Top 30%)

Overall School Rank Trends Over Years (2012-2023)

YearCowles Elementary School
2023#316
2022#127
2021#83
2019#84
2018#91
2017#90
2016#101
2015#109
2014#123
2013#230
2012#187
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

70-74%
68%

Math Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2012-2023)

YearCowles Elementary SchoolIowaDes Moines Independent Comm School District
202372%68%43%
202277%64%40%
202177%64%43%
201983%69%49%
201887%76%55%
201789%77%58%
201689%78%60%
201587%79%61%
201487%79%61%
201382%77%60%
201282%76%59%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

85-89%
70%

Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2011-2022)

YearCowles Elementary SchoolIowaDes Moines Independent Comm School District
202287%70%49%
202187%68%46%
201988%68%47%
201891%74%55%
201796%75%59%
201692%75%61%
201592%76%61%
201492%76%60%
201387%72%57%
201292%71%56%
201192%76%62%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

85-89%
63%

Science Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2021-2022)

YearCowles Elementary SchoolIowaDes Moines Independent Comm School District
202287%63%41%
202190%60%37%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1

Student-Teacher Ratio Comparison Over Years (1989-2025)

YearCowles Elementary SchoolIowaDes Moines Independent Comm School District
202517:114:1
202418:114:115:1
202318:114:115:1
202217:114:115:1
202118:114:114:1
202020:114:114:1
201918:114:114:1
201817:114:114:1
201717:114:114:1
201617:114:114:1
201517:114:114:1
201417:114:114:1
201319:114:115:1
201220:114:115:1
201120:114:115:1
201020:114:114:1
200920:114:114:1
200817:114:114:1
200718:114:114:1
200622:113:115:1
200520:114:115:1
200411:114:113:1
200310:114:114:1
20027:114:114:1
20016:115:115:1
20005:115:114:1
19998:115:116:1
19988:115:115:1
19977:115:115:1
19961:115:115:1
19955:115:114:1
19941:115:112:1
19939:116:115:1
19921:115:115:1
19915:115:114:1
19903:115:118:1
198911:119:122:1
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

American Indian
n/a
n/a

American Indian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2001-2020)

YearCowles Elementary SchoolIowaDes Moines Independent Comm School District
20201%1%
20191%1%
20062%1%1%
20021%1%1%
20011%1%1%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Asian
3%
3%

Asian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1989-2024)

YearCowles Elementary SchoolIowaDes Moines Independent Comm School District
20243%3%8%
20233%2%8%
20224%3%9%
20215%3%9%
20204%3%9%
20194%3%9%
20184%2%8%
20174%2%8%
20164%2%8%
20153%3%7%
20142%3%7%
20134%3%8%
20123%2%8%
20113%2%6%
20103%2%5%
20097%2%6%
20088%2%5%
20074%2%5%
20063%2%5%
20054%2%5%
20043%2%5%
20032%2%5%
20022%2%5%
20001%1%4%
19991%2%5%
19967%2%5%
199417%2%5%
19931%1%5%
199235%1%5%
19911%1%5%
19892%1%4%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Hispanic
8%
14%

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1994-2024)

YearCowles Elementary SchoolIowaDes Moines Independent Comm School District
20249%13%30%
20236%13%30%
20227%12%29%
20217%12%28%
20206%11%27%
20195%11%27%
20187%11%26%
20177%11%26%
20167%10%25%
20155%11%25%
20145%10%24%
20135%9%23%
20125%9%22%
20115%9%22%
20105%8%21%
20094%7%17%
20083%7%16%
20072%6%15%
20063%5%15%
20053%5%13%
20042%5%12%
20031%4%11%
20021%4%10%
20012%4%9%
19992%3%7%
19983%3%6%
19954%2%4%
199412%2%3%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Black
1%
7%

Black Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1992-2024)

YearCowles Elementary SchoolIowaDes Moines Independent Comm School District
20242%7%21%
20232%7%21%
20221%7%21%
20212%7%21%
20202%6%20%
20192%6%20%
20182%6%19%
20172%6%19%
20162%6%18%
20152%5%18%
20143%5%18%
20133%5%17%
20123%5%17%
20113%5%17%
20104%5%17%
20096%6%19%
20085%6%18%
20074%5%17%
20065%4%17%
20056%5%16%
200417%4%16%
20038%4%15%
20025%4%15%
20016%4%15%
20002%3%14%
19997%4%15%
199812%3%14%
199713%3%14%
199680%3%14%
199573%3%13%
199479%3%13%
19939%3%13%
199261%3%12%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

White
79%
70%

White Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1992-2024)

YearCowles Elementary SchoolIowaDes Moines Independent Comm School District
202477%71%33%
202378%72%34%
202277%73%35%
202175%74%36%
202075%75%38%
201976%75%38%
201875%77%41%
201775%77%41%
201675%78%43%
201579%78%44%
201478%79%45%
201377%80%46%
201279%81%47%
201181%81%49%
201079%82%51%
200983%84%58%
200884%84%60%
200790%86%62%
200687%88%62%
200587%87%65%
200478%88%66%
200389%89%68%
200291%89%69%
200191%89%70%
200098%94%74%
199989%91%72%
199884%92%74%
199787%93%75%
199698%93%77%
199598%93%76%
199498%93%79%
199388%94%79%
199298%95%81%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
9%
5%

Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2010-2024)

YearCowles Elementary SchoolIowaDes Moines Independent Comm School District
20249%5%7%
202310%5%7%
202210%5%6%
202110%4%6%
202011%4%6%
201911%4%6%
201811%4%6%
201711%4%6%
201612%4%6%
201510%3%6%
201410%3%6%
20139%3%6%
20128%3%6%
20118%2%6%
20109%2%5%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

All Ethnic Groups
0.36
0.48

Diversity Score Comparison Over Years (1997-2025)

YearCowles Elementary SchoolIowaDes Moines Independent Comm School District
20250.360.49
20240.390.480.75
20230.380.460.75
20220.390.450.75
20210.420.430.74
20200.420.420.74
20190.410.420.74
20180.420.390.72
20170.420.390.72
20160.420.380.72
20150.370.380.71
20140.390.370.71
20130.400.350.70
20120.370.340.70
20110.340.340.68
20100.370.320.67
20090.300.290.60
20080.290.280.58
20070.190.260.57
20060.240.230.55
20050.240.240.54
20040.370.220.52
20030.200.210.51
20020.160.200.49
20010.160.200.47
19990.200.160.44
19980.280.150.43
19970.230.130.42
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
15%
35%

Free Lunch Eligibility Comparison Over Years (1989-2025)

YearCowles Elementary SchoolIowaDes Moines Independent Comm School District
202515%35%
202414%36%67%
202313%36%69%
202211%35%68%
202112%35%67%
202017%36%67%
201915%36%67%
20189%34%60%
20179%34%60%
201618%34%64%
201511%34%62%
20149%34%65%
201314%34%67%
201213%33%63%
201114%31%58%
201011%29%54%
20099%26%46%
200810%26%51%
20075%24%41%
20067%25%46%
20056%23%42%
20046%22%39%
20034%21%37%
20029%19%34%
200129%19%33%
200021%19%32%
199919%20%35%
19987%21%35%
199730%20%35%
1996100%20%33%
1995100%20%32%
1994100%19%30%
199321%19%28%
199286%18%27%
199158%17%25%
1990100%14%22%
198968%17%26%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
7%

Reduced-Price Lunch Eligibility Comparison Over Years (2000-2025)

YearCowles Elementary SchoolIowaDes Moines Independent Comm School District
20255%7%
20242%5%2%
20234%6%8%
20224%5%9%
20215%6%10%
20205%7%10%
20196%7%10%
20185%7%11%
20175%7%11%
20166%7%10%
20154%7%9%
20144%7%5%
20134%7%5%
20125%7%8%
20113%8%9%
20104%8%10%
20093%8%10%
20081%8%9%
20072%8%8%
20052%8%12%
20045%8%11%
20033%8%11%
20028%8%11%
20017%8%12%
20004%7%11%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

School Statewide Testing
View Education Department Test Scores
School District Name
Des Moines Independent Comm School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
REQUEST FREE INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cowles Elementary School's ranking?
Cowles Elementary School is ranked #316 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Cowles Elementary School often compared to?
Cowles Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Fairmeadows Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 85-89% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Cowles Elementary School?
392 students attend Cowles Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of Cowles Elementary School students are White, 9% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cowles Elementary School?
Cowles Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Cowles Elementary School offer ?
Cowles Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Cowles Elementary School part of?
Cowles Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.

School Reviews

Review Cowles 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 392 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 21%
  • : Top 30%
  • : 70-74% (Top 50%)
  • : 85-89% (Top 5%)
  • : 85-89% (Top 5%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

Request Information

Related School News

Most Popular Articles

Top-Ranked Public Schools in the US
Top-Ranked Public Schools in the US
 Should Sixth Grade Be in Elementary School or Middle School?
Should Sixth Grade Be in Elementary School or Middle School?
Uniforms: The Pros and Cons
Uniforms: The Pros and Cons
 Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
 Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons
Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons

More Articles

Public School Policies
Public School Jobs
About Public Schools
Scholarships
Teaching

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (IA):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links: