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GreatSchools Rating

Downtown School

Public | K-6 | 285 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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7 reviews of this school


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Posted September 19, 2011

My daughter was in this school for 6 years, kindergarten through fifth grade. As she grew older, I was increasingly uncomfortable with the fact that I did not know how she was doing considering they do not give grades and do not assign any homework. Only now do I realize the unique means of learning (no textbooks, project based learning) did not work for my child. She is far behind other kids in her middle school, especially in math and science. What a mistake. Now, she has homework and I can interact with her, see if she understands. There was no way to do that before. I know I'm in the minotiry in my opinion, which is why I did not trust my instinct and left my daughter in the school too long.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 25, 2010

Wonderful teacher/parent relationship at this school. The teachers are awesome and so dedicated to creating an inspiring, enriching educational atmosphere for the students. The classrooms and structure are very interesting -- classrooms are mixed, with younger and older students learning together. There are no rows of desks. Students sit together in pairs or threesomes at learning tables where they can work independently or collaboratively. Every six to eight weeks, the classes have "culminating events" where parents, grandparents and other family are invited to attend a classroom presentation. Each child gives a short presentation to the group and presents their corresponding artwork. It's a wonderful way for families to participate and see first-hand what their children have learned and created. It's just a wonderful learning environment! We love this school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 21, 2009

I have three children in the school and I do believe there is no other school out there as dedicated to the students as Downtown School is. My children enjoy going there and parents are welcomed to walk in at anytime to visit the school. No appointment needed. The teachers are wonderful and caring. They have more time to work with the students because the class ratio. And the unit studies are a great way for the children to learn.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 16, 2008

I followed this school closely prior to having children. The multi-age classrooms, the focus on active learning versus standardized test performance, and the location was very exciting. When our son was in preschool, I considered our neighborhood school and the Downtown School. When our neighborhood school told me they tried not to have more than 25 children per class, I knew that the Downtown School was for us. Our son has really benefited from the small class size (16 students), the extended school year (only 6 weeks off in the summer), and the ability to explore his passions. Volunteer opportunities are readily available and parents are always welcome.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 30, 2008

Excellent school! Low student:teacher ratio, solid programs and spectacular teachers!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 28, 2007

The Downtown School is the premier educational model of the Des Moines School Systems. It does not teach to the test. It teaches children how to learn. The children at the DTS are blessed with small classrooms and hands on learning.
—Submitted by Blessed, a parent


Posted August 25, 2004

I have a third grade son and now a kindergartener in this school and I have been very pleased with the teacher-student ratio, multi-aged classroom and the hands-on learning approach used. The goal to encourage mentoring among the students in each class and the leadership skills learned has been invaluable. Project based learning has really instilled a love for learning and presenting information has fostered a love for public speaking in a child I would have considered painfully shy when he entered the school as a five year old. I have thoroughly enjoyed the years we have been a part of the Downtown School family.
—Submitted by Jerilynn Beattie, a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 80% in 2012.

40 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 77% in 2012.

40 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


Beginning in 2011-2012 Iowa used the Iowa Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math. The scores reflect the performance of students enrolled for the full academic year. The Iowa Assessments are standards-based tests, which measure specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Iowa. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See Iowa's state standards

Source: Iowa Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 78% in 2012.

49 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 74% in 2012.

49 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


Beginning in 2011-2012 Iowa used the Iowa Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math. The scores reflect the performance of students enrolled for the full academic year. The Iowa Assessments are standards-based tests, which measure specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Iowa. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See Iowa's state standards

Source: Iowa Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 78% in 2012.

43 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 74% in 2012.

43 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


Beginning in 2011-2012 Iowa used the Iowa Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math. The scores reflect the performance of students enrolled for the full academic year. The Iowa Assessments are standards-based tests, which measure specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Iowa. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See Iowa's state standards

Source: Iowa Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 72% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 65% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


Beginning in 2011-2012 Iowa used the Iowa Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math. The scores reflect the performance of students enrolled for the full academic year. The Iowa Assessments are standards-based tests, which measure specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Iowa. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See Iowa's state standards

Source: Iowa Department of Education

Math

All Students73%
Female71%
Male74%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White75%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students85%
Female90%
Male79%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White88%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


Beginning in 2011-2012 Iowa used the Iowa Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math. The scores reflect the performance of students enrolled for the full academic year. The Iowa Assessments are standards-based tests, which measure specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Iowa. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the Iowa Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Iowa's state standards

Source: Iowa Department of Education

Math

All Students78%
Female77%
Male78%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White78%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students86%
Female77%
Male93%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White86%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


Beginning in 2011-2012 Iowa used the Iowa Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math. The scores reflect the performance of students enrolled for the full academic year. The Iowa Assessments are standards-based tests, which measure specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Iowa. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the Iowa Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Iowa's state standards

Source: Iowa Department of Education

Math

All Students86%
Female82%
Male90%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White87%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students91%
Female91%
Male90%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White92%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


Beginning in 2011-2012 Iowa used the Iowa Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math. The scores reflect the performance of students enrolled for the full academic year. The Iowa Assessments are standards-based tests, which measure specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Iowa. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the Iowa Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Iowa's state standards

Source: Iowa Department of Education

Math

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


Beginning in 2011-2012 Iowa used the Iowa Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math. The scores reflect the performance of students enrolled for the full academic year. The Iowa Assessments are standards-based tests, which measure specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Iowa. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the Iowa Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Iowa's state standards

Source: Iowa Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 74% 85%
Black 12% 6%
Asian/Pacific Islander 7% 2%
Hispanic 7% 7%
American Indian/Alaska Native N/A 1%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 14%N/A34%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 14N/A14
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1800 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 284-5848

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