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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Des Moines Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public high schools serving 9,712 students in Des Moines, IA.
The top-ranked public high schools in Des Moines, IA are Roosevelt High School, Hoover High School and Saydel High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Des Moines, IA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Iowa public high school average of 65%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 71% statewide average). High schools in Des Moines have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public high schools.
Des Moines, IA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 73%, which is less than the Iowa average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Roosevelt High School, with 87% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Iowa or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public high school average of 28% (majority Hispanic).

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

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
Hoover High School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
4800 Aurora Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 242-7300
Gr: 9-12 | 898 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #33.
Saydel High School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
5601 Ne 7th St
Des Moines, IA 50313
(515) 262-9325
Gr: 9-12 | 458 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #44.
Lincoln High School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2600 Sw 9th St
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 242-7500
Gr: 9-12 | 2,364 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #55.
East High School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
815 E 13th St
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 242-7788
Gr: 9-12 | 1,952 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #66.
North High School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
501 Holcomb Ave
Des Moines, IA 50313
(515) 242-7200
Gr: 9-12 | 1,428 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
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%
Rank: n/an/a
Great Oaks High School And Career Center
100 East Euclid
Des Moines, IA 50313
(319) 321-9976
Gr: 9-12 | 72 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 68%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Des Moines, IA?
The top-ranked public high schools in Des Moines, IA include Roosevelt High School, Hoover High School and Saydel High School.
How many public high schools are located in Des Moines?
9 public high schools are located in Des Moines.
What is the racial composition of students in Des Moines?
Des Moines public high schools minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public high schools average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Des Moines are often viewed compared to one another?

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