Serving 315 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Dowling Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65-69% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 315 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 43%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-79% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Dowling Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Dowling Elementary School's student population of 315 students has declined by 33% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has declined by 33% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
315 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
School Rankings
Dowling Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Dowling Elementary School is 0.63, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#286 out of 1773 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-79%
41%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
6%
2%
Asian
2%
7%
Hispanic
8%
12%
Black
18%
12%
White
57%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
33%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dowling Elementary School's ranking?
Dowling Elementary School is ranked #286 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota.
What schools are Dowling Elementary School often compared to?
Dowling Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Howe Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 65-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Dowling Elementary School?
315 students attend Dowling Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
57% of Dowling Elementary School students are White, 18% of students are Black, 9% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are American Indian, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Dowling Elementary School?
Dowling Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Dowling Elementary School offer ?
Dowling Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Dowling Elementary School part of?
Dowling Elementary School is part of Minneapolis Public School District.
In what neighborhood is Dowling Elementary School located?
Dowling Elementary School is located in the Howe neighborhood of Minneapolis, MN. There are 2 other public schools located in Howe.
School Reviews
Review Dowling Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.

Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.

Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.