For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 4,337 students in 50312, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 340 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in 50312, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in 50312, IA are Hanawalt Elementary School, Merrill Middle School and Hubbell Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 50312 have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 65% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in 50312, IA have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best 50312, IA Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Hanawalt Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
225 56th Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8411
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8411
Gr: K-5 | 312 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Merrill Middle School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
5301 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8448
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8448
Gr: 6-8 | 657 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #33.
Hubbell Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
800 42nd St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8414
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8414
Gr: K-5 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #44.
Greenwood Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
316 37th Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8410
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8410
Gr: PK-5 | 293 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #55.
Roosevelt High School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4419 Center St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-7272
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-7272
Gr: 9-12 | 2,051 students Student-teacher ratio: 31:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #66.
Callanan Middle School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3010 Center Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8101
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8101
Gr: 6-8 | 553 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #77.
Ruby Van Meter
Special Education School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
710 28th St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8220
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8220
Gr: K-12 | 109 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 50312, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in 50312, IA include Hanawalt Elementary School, Merrill Middle School and Hubbell Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 50312?
7 public schools are located in 50312.
What percentage of students in 50312 go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in 50312 are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in 50312?
50312 public schools minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
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.
