For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 866 students in 50309, IA.
The top ranked public schools in 50309, IA are Downtown School, Walnut Street School and Virtual Campus. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 50309 have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 62% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in 50309, IA have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best 50309, IA Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Downtown School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1800 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 284-5848
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 284-5848
Grades: K-5
| 235 students
Rank: #22.
Walnut Street School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
901 Walnut St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-8438
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-8438
Grades: PK-5
| 244 students
Rank: #33.
Virtual Campus
(Math: 37% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1800 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-8502
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-8502
Grades: 9-12
| 387 students
50309, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1800 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Grades: 7-12
| 2 students
1800 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Grades: 6-8
| n/a students
Des Moines Public Charter School (Closed 2013)
Charter School
620 8th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7911
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7911
Grades: 7-9
| 117 students
918 Se 11th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Grades: PK-K
| 15 students
1800 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7846
Grades: 6-12
| 118 students
Scavo Alternative High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1800 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7589
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-7589
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
1101 9th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 246-1800
Grades: PK-K
| 18 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 50309, IA?
The top ranked public schools in 50309, IA include Downtown School, Walnut Street School and Virtual Campus.
How many public schools are located in 50309?
3 public schools are located in 50309.
What is the racial composition of students in 50309?
50309 public schools minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
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.