Serving 384 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Samuelson 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 55-59% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Asian and Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 384 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 79%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Samuelson Elementary School's student population of 384 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
384 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
At Samuelson, we are respectful, responsible, and motivated learners!
School Rankings
Samuelson 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 Samuelson Elementary School is 0.77, 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
#1018 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
32%
3%
Hispanic
15%
13%
Black
25%
7%
White
21%
71%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
71%
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 Samuelson Elementary School's ranking?
Samuelson Elementary School is ranked #1018 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Samuelson Elementary School?
384 students attend Samuelson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
32% of Samuelson Elementary School students are Asian, 25% of students are Black, 21% of students are White, 15% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Samuelson Elementary School?
Samuelson Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Samuelson Elementary School offer ?
Samuelson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Samuelson Elementary School part of?
Samuelson Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Community School District.
In what neighborhood is Samuelson Elementary School located?
Samuelson Elementary School is located in the Lower Beaver neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 1 other public schools located in Lower Beaver.
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