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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 50312 Iowa Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 4,337 students in 50312, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 340 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in 50312, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in 50312, IA are Hanawalt Elementary School, Merrill Middle School and Hubbell Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 50312 have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 65% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in 50312, IA have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Best 50312, IA Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Hanawalt Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
225 56th Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8411
Gr: K-5 | 312 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Merrill Middle School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
5301 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8448
Gr: 6-8 | 657 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #33.
Hubbell Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
800 42nd St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8414
Gr: K-5 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #44.
Greenwood Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
316 37th Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8410
Gr: PK-5 | 293 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #55.
Roosevelt High School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4419 Center St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-7272
Gr: 9-12 | 2,051 students Student-teacher ratio: 31:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #66.
Callanan Middle School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
3010 Center Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8101
Gr: 6-8 | 553 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #77.
Ruby Van Meter
Special Education School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
710 28th St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8220
Gr: K-12 | 109 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 55%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 50312, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in 50312, IA include Hanawalt Elementary School, Merrill Middle School and Hubbell Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 50312?
7 public schools are located in 50312.
What percentage of students in 50312 go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in 50312 are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in 50312?
50312 public schools minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

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