Serving 408 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Park Ave 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 40-44% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 63% 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: 408 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 63%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Park Ave Elementary School's student population of 408 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
408 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Wed. Jun 3, 2026
School Motto
Come Here. Become Here.
School Rankings
Park Ave 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 Park Ave Elementary School is 0.74, 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
#1191 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
5%
3%
Hispanic
26%
13%
Black
24%
7%
White
37%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
73%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Park Ave Elementary School's ranking?
Park Ave Elementary School is ranked #1191 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Park Ave Elementary School often compared to?
Park Ave Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Windsor Elementary School, Altoona Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Park Ave Elementary School?
408 students attend Park Ave Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
37% of Park Ave Elementary School students are White, 26% of students are Hispanic, 24% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Park Ave Elementary School?
Park Ave Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Park Ave Elementary School offer ?
Park Ave Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Park Ave Elementary School part of?
Park Ave Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Community School District.
In what neighborhood is Park Ave Elementary School located?
Park Ave Elementary School is located in the Indianola Hills neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 1 other public schools located in Indianola Hills.
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