Serving 297 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Howe Elementary 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 50-54% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 297 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 77%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Howe Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Howe Elementary School's student population of 297 students has grown by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
297 students
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
The Hawk Way
School Rankings
Howe 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 Howe Elementary School is 0.71, 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
#1114 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
7%
3%
Hispanic
44%
14%
Black
21%
7%
White
23%
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
80%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
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 Howe Elementary School's ranking?
Howe Elementary School is ranked #1114 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Howe Elementary School often compared to?
Howe Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Downtown School, Mckinley Elementary School, Weeks Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Howe Elementary School?
297 students attend Howe Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Howe Elementary School students are Hispanic, 23% of students are White, 21% of students are Black, 7% of students are Asian, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Howe Elementary School?
Howe Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Howe Elementary School offer ?
Howe Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Howe Elementary School part of?
Howe Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Howe Elementary School located?
Howe Elementary School is located in the Indianola Hills neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 1 other public schools located in Indianola Hills.
School Reviews
Review Howe 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
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.
