Best 50312 Iowa Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 2,286 students in 50312, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary 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 elementary schools in zipcode 50312 have an average math proficiency score of 58% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 63% (versus the 69% statewide average). Elementary schools in 50312, IA have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public elementary school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Best 50312, IA Public Elementary Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Hanawalt Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
225 56th Street
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:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
5301 Grand Ave
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:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
800 42nd St
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:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
316 37th Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8410
Gr: PK-5 | 293 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #55.
Callanan Middle School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
3010 Center Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8101
Gr: 6-8 | 553 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #66.
Ruby Van Meter
Special Education School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
710 28th St
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 elementary schools in 50312, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 50312, IA include Hanawalt Elementary School, Merrill Middle School and Hubbell Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 50312?
6 public elementary schools are located in 50312.
What is the racial composition of students in 50312?
50312 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
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
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
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links