Serving 535 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Garton 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 46% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 535 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 81%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Garton 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
Garton Elementary School's student population of 535 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has declined by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
535 students
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Year Founded
1958
School Calendar
School Rankings
Garton 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 Garton Elementary School is 0.72, 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
#1178 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
Asian
11%
3%
Hispanic
45%
14%
Black
18%
7%
White
19%
70%
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)29.4%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
79%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garton Elementary School's ranking?
Garton Elementary School is ranked #1178 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?
46% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Garton Elementary School?
535 students attend Garton Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Garton Elementary School students are Hispanic, 19% of students are White, 18% of students are Black, 11% of students are Asian, and 7% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Garton Elementary School?
Garton Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Garton Elementary School offer ?
Garton Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Garton Elementary School part of?
Garton Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Garton Elementary School located?
Garton Elementary School is located in the Fairmont Park neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 2 other public schools located in Fairmont Park.
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