These are some of the top-rated public schools in Des Moines based on a variety of measures, including academic performance and equity. Find out more about GreatSchools ratings.
The College Success Award recognizes schools that do an exemplary job getting students to enroll in and stick with college, including those that excel at serving students from low-income families.
Districts
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Des Moines Independent Community School District
33,623 students | DES MOINES, IA
Grades PK-12 | 62 schools -
West Des Moines Community School District
9,223 students | WEST DES MOINES, IA
Grades PK-12 | 13 schools -
Southeast Polk Community School District
7,203 students | PLEASANT HILL, IA
Grades PK-12 | 11 schools -
Saydel Community School District
1,359 students | DES MOINES, IA
Grades PK-12 | 3 schools
Neighboring Cities
Reviews From Schools in Des Moines
Does your child attend a school in this city?
Parent / Guardian
May 03, 2022
I'm surprised that the score is so low. It is a wonderful school. I guess when things went well, nobody would say much but those experienced differently.
My older daughter have been going there for 4... More
Review for
Pleasant Hill Elementary School
Other (school staff, family member, recent alum, etc)
April 08, 2022
As a former student at Cowles, who is also bi-racial, my experience at Cowles was often filled with microaggressions from both student and staff due to the very white demographic of once more, both... More
Review for
Cowles Elementary School
Parent / Guardian
March 25, 2022
There are numerous barriers for most DMPS families to get in this school. The best way to in is to enroll your 3 year-old, but you have to be able to afford 3 year-old preschool. There is no... More
Review for
Cowles Elementary School
