Best Public Schools in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA (2025-26)

Best Downtown Des Moines Public Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,703 students in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA.

The top ranked public schools in Downtown Des Moines are Downtown School, Walnut Street School and Virtual Campus. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.

The neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA public schools have an score of 48% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and score of 50% (versus the 70% statewide average).

Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA (2025-26)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)

Location

Quick Facts

Rank: #11.

Downtown School

(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 80-84%)
:

Top 50%

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1800 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 284-5848

Gr: K-5 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 34%

Rank: #22.

Walnut Street School

(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
:

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901 Walnut St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-8438

Gr: PK-5 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 69%

Rank: #33.

Virtual Campus

(Math: 37% | Reading: 59%)
:

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1800 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-8502

Gr: 9-12 | 387 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 51%

Rank: #44.

Edmunds Elementary School

(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
:

Bottom 50%

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950 15th Street
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 243-1174

Gr: K-5 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 93%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA?

The top ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA include Downtown School, Walnut Street School and Virtual Campus.

How many public schools are located in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines?

4 public schools are located in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines.

What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines?

the neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines public schools minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).