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GreatSchools Rating

Des Moines Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 454 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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10 reviews of this school


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Posted July 30, 2012

I've been at this school for 3 years now, and have 2 children currently attending grades between K and 4. Great improvement have recently happened at this school and parent involvement is at an all time high. Many after school clubs are being offered for the upcoming school year and the PTSA at this school works hard to improve the quality of education offered here. Some cons are the consistent lack of opportunity for gifted children. With that said, my child was in the gifted education program offered in the Highline School District at Parkside and after a year of participating in it, I chose to bring him back to Des Moines because of the quality community and teaching staff here.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 16, 2010

I agree with the previous post, 'When it comes to addressing students individual needs many parents are faced with some barriers. Also, communication with parents is often unclear and disingenuous.' From my experience there are several programs for struggling or 'at risk' students at Des Moines but if you have a child who is outperforming and needs to be challenged, there are very few options available and you are very likely left to feel that there is nothing to be done. The principal comes off as a bully and, while I am lucky enough to have not experienced it, she regularly chases parents down who cross the street with their kids illegally and screams at them. I am sure her motives revolve around general safety but her actions come off as embarassing more than anything else and it certainly makes me less inclined to approach her as a concerned parent.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 11, 2009

Des Moines has an amazing teaching staff who show strong interest in creating a learning environment that is welcoming to both students and parents. Volunteers range from parents, high school seniors and local senior citizens. There is also a strong effort by the staff to assist students with special needs. My child was struggling academically in one subject and the teachers were quick to recommend interventions and testing that have helped improve my child's skills in this area. The administration has it's strengths and weakness's. A great effort is being made by the principal to provide strong academic programs to support all learners as a whole. When it comes to addressing students individual needs many parents are faced with some barriers. Also, communication with parents is often unclear and disingenuous. Overall the staff is amazing, dedicated, and focused.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 3, 2009

I had significant difficulties with the leadership of this school regarding my son's disabilities. Some staff were highly resistant to understanding the individual needs of students, while others worked very hard to do the right things. I couldn't wait to leave this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 27, 2009

We have been so pleased with this school. Although my son struggles with some slight disabilities, the attention and support they have provided him with has been exceptional! The principal is outstanding and the teaching staff is hard-working, smart and caring.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 14, 2007

Warm, friendly, organized staff. Arts and Technology are obvious priorities here. High parent involvement, great teacher/student ratio in my daughter's class. The principal is a visible and friendly presence on the school grounds. We're thrilled!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 14, 2007

Very friendly staff;welcoming teachers. Most parents are involved in school activities. Some classes are a little overcrowded.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 19, 2006

This is s great place to learn! The teachers are intelligent, supportive, and go the extra mile for children. Parents are encouraged to volunteer and are made to feel welcome.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 3, 2004

The principal is the best! She is always available to any student or parent. Most of the teachers are very good as well.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 19, 2004

I've had really good luck and feedback from the teaching staff here. Leslie Perry is an excellent principal; very pro-active with each classrooms' goals, etc.
—Submitted by 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 65% in 2012.

51 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
52%

2010

 
 
61%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 69% in 2012.

51 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
75%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 59% in 2012.

66 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
56%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

66 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
62%

2010

 
 
57%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 61% in 2012.

66 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
59%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

60 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
58%

2010

 
 
53%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

60 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
51%

2010

 
 
72%
Science

The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.

60 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
53%

2011

 
 
31%

2010

 
 
39%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

60 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
64%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

60 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
59%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students79%
Female88%
Male70%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White82%
Low income89%
Not low income74%
Special education36%
Not special education95%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students69%
Female84%
Male56%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White77%
Low income72%
Not low income68%
Special education29%
Not special education84%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students73%
Female57%
Male90%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic69%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White62%
Low income72%
Not low income73%
Special education9%
Not special education85%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students73%
Female71%
Male74%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic69%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White66%
Low income76%
Not low income70%
Special education18%
Not special education84%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students73%
Female71%
Male74%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic62%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White76%
Low income66%
Not low income78%
Special education18%
Not special education84%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students55%
Female57%
Male52%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic40%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White61%
Low income41%
Not low income68%
Special education20%
Not special education62%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students60%
Female71%
Male44%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic40%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White81%
Low income45%
Not low income74%
Special education20%
Not special education68%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Science

All Students53%
Female57%
Male48%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic30%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White71%
Low income31%
Not low income74%
Special education20%
Not special education60%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students77%
Female73%
Male79%
Blackn/a
Asian60%
Asian/Pacific Islander64%
Hispanic76%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White100%
Low income62%
Not low income90%
Special education18%
Not special education90%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students77%
Female81%
Male74%
Blackn/a
Asian60%
Asian/Pacific Islander64%
Hispanic71%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White94%
Low income66%
Not low income87%
Special education27%
Not special education88%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

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 45% 64%
Hispanic 20% 16%
Asian/Pacific Islander 15% 9%
Not provided 10% N/A
Black 9% 6%
Native American 1% 3%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 46%N/A42%
Special education 14%N/A13%
Transitional bilingual 12%N/A8%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per classroom teacher 19N/A17
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years educational experience 10N/A12
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Master's degree or higher 50%N/A66%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

22001 9th Ave South
Des Moines, WA 98198
Phone: (206) 433-2541

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