For the 2026 school year, there is 1 special education public school serving 109 students in Iowa.
The top-ranked special education public school in Iowa is Ruby Van Meter. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Iowa special education public school have an average math proficiency score of 10% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 10% (versus the 70% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Special Education Public Schools in Iowa (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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 special education public schools in Iowa?
The top-ranked special education public schools in Iowa include Ruby Van Meter.
How many special education public schools are located in Iowa?
1 special education public schools are located in Iowa.
What is the racial composition of students in Iowa?
Iowa special education public schools minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.
