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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best West Des Moines Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 3,008 students in West Des Moines, IA.
The top-ranked public high schools in West Des Moines, IA are Valley High School, Valley Southwoods and Walnut Creek Campus. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
West Des Moines, IA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 62% (versus the Iowa public high school average of 65%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 71% statewide average). High schools in West Des Moines have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public high schools.
West Des Moines, IA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 89%, which is more than the Iowa average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Valley High School, with 95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Iowa or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 45% 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 West Des Moines, IA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in West Des Moines, IA?
The top-ranked public high schools in West Des Moines, IA include Valley High School, Valley Southwoods and Walnut Creek Campus.
How many public high schools are located in West Des Moines?
3 public high schools are located in West Des Moines.
What is the racial composition of students in West Des Moines?
West Des Moines public high schools minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public high schools average of 28% (majority Hispanic).

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