Serving 424 students in grades Kindergarten-5, South Union 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 43% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (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 75% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 424 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 75%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
South Union Elementary School's student population of 424 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
424 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
South Union 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 South Union Elementary School is 0.76, 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
#1187 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
9%
3%
Hispanic
35%
13%
Black
20%
7%
White
25%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
79%
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 South Union Elementary School's ranking?
South Union Elementary School is ranked #1187 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?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend South Union Elementary School?
424 students attend South Union Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
35% of South Union Elementary School students are Hispanic, 25% of students are White, 20% of students are Black, 10% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Union Elementary School?
South Union Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does South Union Elementary School offer ?
South Union Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is South Union Elementary School part of?
South Union Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Community School District.
In what neighborhood is South Union Elementary School located?
South Union Elementary School is located in the Magnolia Park neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
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