Serving 303 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Howe 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 45-49% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 64%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 303 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 74%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Howe Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Howe Elementary School's student population of 303 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has grown by 19% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
303 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Students by Grade
School Calendar
School Rankings
Howe Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,233 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Howe Elementary School is 0.72, 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
#1135 out of 1233 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
64%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
10%
3%
Hispanic
41%
13%
Black
19%
7%
White
26%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
77%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Howe Elementary School's ranking?
Howe Elementary School is ranked #1135 out of 1,233 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Howe Elementary School often compared to?
Howe Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Downtown School, Mckinley Elementary School, Weeks Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% IA state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Howe Elementary School?
303 students attend Howe Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Howe Elementary School students are Hispanic, 26% of students are White, 19% of students are Black, 10% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Howe Elementary School?
Howe Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Howe Elementary School offer ?
Howe Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Howe Elementary School part of?
Howe Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Howe Elementary School located?
Howe 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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