Serving 545 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Fairmeadows Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 76% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 71% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 545 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 35%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 76% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 71% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Fairmeadows Elementary School's student population of 545 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
545 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
School Calendar
First Day of School
Sat. Aug 23, 2025
Last Day of School
Sat. May 30, 2026
School Rankings
Fairmeadows Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Fairmeadows Elementary School is 0.55, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.47. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#616 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
76%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
6%
3%
Hispanic
12%
13%
Black
9%
7%
White
65%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
21%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fairmeadows Elementary School's ranking?
Fairmeadows Elementary School is ranked #616 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Fairmeadows Elementary School often compared to?
Fairmeadows Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Western Hills Elementary School, Cowles Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
76% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 71% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Fairmeadows Elementary School?
545 students attend Fairmeadows Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Fairmeadows Elementary School students are White, 12% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 6% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Fairmeadows Elementary School?
Fairmeadows Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Fairmeadows Elementary School offer ?
Fairmeadows Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Fairmeadows Elementary School part of?
Fairmeadows Elementary School is part of West Des Moines Comm School District.
School Reviews
Review Fairmeadows 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
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
