Serving 2,441 students in grades 9-12, Lincoln High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 36% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 64%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student:teacher ratio of 27:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,441 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 27:1
- Minority Enrollment: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 79% (Btm 50% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 36% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Lincoln High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Lincoln High School's student population of 2,441 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 89 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,441 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
89 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Lincoln High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,233 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lincoln High School is 0.72, 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
#1173 out of 1233 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
64%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
27:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
8%
3%
Hispanic
37%
13%
Black
16%
7%
White
34%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
79%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
66%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
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 Lincoln High School's ranking?
Lincoln High School is ranked #1173 out of 1,233 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Lincoln High School often compared to?
Lincoln High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like East High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
36% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% IA state average), while 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Lincoln High School?
The graduation rate of Lincoln High School is 79%, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend Lincoln High School?
2,441 students attend Lincoln High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
37% of Lincoln High School students are Hispanic, 34% of students are White, 16% of students are Black, 8% of students are Asian, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Lincoln High School?
Lincoln High School has a student ration of 27:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Lincoln High School offer ?
Lincoln High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lincoln High School part of?
Lincoln High School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Lincoln High School located?
Lincoln High School is located in the Greater South Side neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 1 other public schools located in Greater South Side.
School Reviews
5 9/20/2018
Good
2 9/1/2010
Offers very little independant one on one conversation between teacher and students. Music and art programs are drastically underfunded. parent involvement is minimal, and parts of south campus are destroyed/falling apart. Should be drastically improved.
Review Lincoln High 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
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.
