Herbert Hoover High School, usually referred to simply as Hoover High School or Hoover, is a public secondary school located on the Northwest side of Des Moines, Iowa.
Serving 898 students in grades 9-12, Hoover 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 41% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 898 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 74% (Btm 50% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Hoover High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Hoover High School's student population of 898 students has declined by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 44 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
898 students
Total Classroom Teachers
44 teachers
Year Founded
1967
Colors
Green, Gold
School Calendar
Campus Size
30 acres
School Motto
Come Here. Become Here.
School Rankings
Hoover High 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 Hoover High School is 0.75, 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
#1130 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
15%
3%
Hispanic
26%
14%
Black
37%
7%
White
17%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
74%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
70%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Des Moines Independent Comm School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Husky
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hoover High School's ranking?
Hoover High School is ranked #1130 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Hoover High School often compared to?
Hoover High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North High School, East High School, Roosevelt High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
41% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Hoover High School?
The graduation rate of Hoover High School is 74%, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend Hoover High School?
898 students attend Hoover High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
37% of Hoover High School students are Black, 26% of students are Hispanic, 17% of students are White, 15% of students are Asian, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hoover High School?
Hoover High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Hoover High School offer ?
Hoover High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Hoover High School part of?
Hoover High School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Hoover High School located?
Hoover High School is located in the Meredith neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 1 other public schools located in Meredith.
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