For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 4,352 students in 50312, IA (there are , serving 618 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in 50312, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in 50312, IA are Hanawalt Elementary School, Merrill Middle School and Hubbell Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 50312 have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 65% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in 50312, IA have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best 50312, IA Public Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Hanawalt Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
225 56th Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8411
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8411
Gr: K-5 | 317 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Merrill Middle School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
5301 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8448
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8448
Gr: 6-8 | 651 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #33.
Hubbell Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
800 42nd St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8414
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8414
Gr: K-5 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #44.
Greenwood Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
316 37th Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8410
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8410
Gr: PK-5 | 307 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #55.
Roosevelt High School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4419 Center St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-7272
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-7272
Gr: 9-12 | 2,039 students Student-teacher ratio: 30:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #66.
Callanan Middle School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3010 Center Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8101
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8101
Gr: 6-8 | 543 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #77.
Ruby Van Meter
Special Education School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
710 28th St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8220
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8220
Gr: K-12 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
50312, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Bridges (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
1800 Grand
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-7552
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-7552
Gr: 6-12 | 25 students Minority enrollment: 32%
800 42nd St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8414
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8414
Gr: K-5 | 309 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Ruby Van Meter School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
710 28th St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8220
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8220
Gr: 6-12 | 135 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Smouse Opportunity School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
2820 Center St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8210
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 242-8210
Gr: PK-8 | 94 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 50312, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in 50312, IA include Hanawalt Elementary School, Merrill Middle School and Hubbell Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 50312?
7 public schools are located in 50312.
What percentage of students in 50312 go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in 50312 are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in 50312?
50312 public schools minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide for Parents
Learn what to ask at a public school open house during enrollment season, from academics to safety, to choose the right school for your child.
School Zoning Changes 2026: How Assignments May Shift
School Zoning Changes 2026 could affect your child鈥檚 school assignment. Learn how zoning works, what is changing, and how families can prepare.
School Vouchers: Updated Pros and Cons (2025 Review)
Comprehensive 2025 analysis of school vouchers, weighing benefits and challenges for families, funding, outcomes, and policy directions.
