Serving 291 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Hillis 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 12:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 291 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 64%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-59% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Hillis Elementary School's student population of 291 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has declined by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
291 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Rankings
Hillis 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 Hillis Elementary School is 0.76, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.47. 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)
50-59%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
12%
3%
Hispanic
25%
13%
Black
18%
7%
White
36%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
9%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
63%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hillis Elementary School's ranking?
Hillis 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 Hillis Elementary School often compared to?
Hillis Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Findley Elementary School, Perkins Elementary 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 Hillis Elementary School?
291 students attend Hillis Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
36% of Hillis Elementary School students are White, 25% of students are Hispanic, 18% of students are Black, 12% of students are Asian, and 9% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hillis Elementary School?
Hillis Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Hillis Elementary School offer ?
Hillis Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Hillis Elementary School part of?
Hillis Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Community School District.
In what neighborhood is Hillis Elementary School located?
Hillis Elementary School is located in the Merle Hay neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 1 other public schools located in Merle Hay.
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