North High School is a public secondary school located in Des Moines, Iowa. It is one of five secondary schools in the Des Moines Independent Community School District.
Serving 1,428 students in grades 9-12, North High 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 33% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 46% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 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: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,428 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 67% (Btm 50% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 36% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
North High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
North High School's student population of 1,428 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 66 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,428 students
Total Classroom Teachers
66 teachers
Year Founded
1889
Colors
Green, Pink
School Calendar
School Motto
IT IS ALWAYS A GREAT DAY TO BE A POLAR BEAR
School Rankings
North High 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 North High School is 0.75, 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
#1195 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
11%
3%
Hispanic
39%
14%
Black
24%
7%
White
19%
70%
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
67%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)62.4%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Polar Bear
Frequently Asked Questions
What is North High School's ranking?
North High School is ranked #1195 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are North High School often compared to?
North High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hoover High School, East High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
33% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 46% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of North High School?
The graduation rate of North High School is 67%, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend North High School?
1,428 students attend North High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of North High School students are Hispanic, 24% of students are Black, 19% of students are White, 11% of students are Asian, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of North High School?
North High School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does North High School offer ?
North High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is North High School part of?
North High School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is North High School located?
North High School is located in the Union Park neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
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