Serving 488 students in grades 6-8, Hiatt Middle 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 32% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 33% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 488 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 87%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Hiatt Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Hiatt Middle School's student population of 488 students has declined by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has declined by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
488 students
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Come Here. Become Here.
School Rankings
Hiatt Middle 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 Hiatt Middle School is 0.66, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1207 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
7%
3%
Hispanic
53%
14%
Black
21%
7%
White
13%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
84%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Des Moines Independent Comm School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hiatt Middle School's ranking?
Hiatt Middle School is ranked #1207 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
32% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 33% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Hiatt Middle School?
488 students attend Hiatt Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Hiatt Middle School students are Hispanic, 21% of students are Black, 13% of students are White, 7% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hiatt Middle School?
Hiatt Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Hiatt Middle School offer ?
Hiatt Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Hiatt Middle School part of?
Hiatt Middle School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Hiatt Middle School located?
Hiatt Middle School is located in the Martin Luther King Junior Park neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
School Reviews
Review Hiatt Middle 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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
