The top reported proficiency rate is 51% in English language arts. The lowest is 44% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Callanan Middle School
Callanan Middle School serves sixth through eighth graders in Des Moines, Iowa, as part of the Des Moines Independent Community School District. It is a regular public school, not a charter or magnet, and sits within the sprawling capital city that anchors Polk County. The school’s enrollment is moderate for its grade band, drawing students from a variety of backgrounds. The student body is notably diverse: Black students form the largest group, followed by White, Hispanic, students identifying with two or more races, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and American Indian or Alaska Native. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting a high-poverty population.
On state assessments administered through the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress, Callanan’s overall proficiency across tested subjects places the school in the bottom quartile relative to districts in Polk County. In English language arts, around half of students scored proficient or above. In math, proficiency was lower, and in science, it fell roughly in between. These are the most recent results, covering a single school year, so there is no trend data yet to show whether performance is improving or declining. Participation rates were high, so the results give a representative picture. A parent considering Callanan will want to explore what academic supports are available and how the school addresses the gaps these numbers highlight.
Des Moines itself is Iowa’s capital and its most populous city, a commercial and residential hub with a strong insurance and financial services sector, home to companies such as Principal Financial Group and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, as well as major operations from Wells Fargo and others. The city has substantial parkland and trail infrastructure, and its downtown contains civic landmarks like the Iowa State Capitol and the Des Moines Art Center. The metropolitan area has seen growth, with major tech companies building data centers in the region, indicating ongoing economic development. Housing values in the surrounding zip code are moderate relative to national benchmarks, and rents are similarly situated. The local unemployment rate has been stable at a modest level, and median household income aligns with national figures. For families moving to the area, the neighborhood surrounding Callanan is part of Des Moines’ broader residential fabric, with a mix of older and newer housing stock.
The school’s data set has several gaps that may matter to a family. There is no information on the proportion of students with individualized education plans or English learner status, so the extent of special education and language support services is not clear. No staffing data appears, meaning class sizes, teacher experience, and counselor ratios are unknown. Discipline data and chronic absenteeism rates are also absent. Callanan does not serve high school grades, so no graduation rate applies. The absence of these data points does not indicate a problem, but a parent should ask the school directly about these areas.
Given its academic performance profile, Callanan is a school where proficiency in core subjects trails most other Polk County districts. For a family whose priority is strong measurable outcomes, this may be a concern. For families who value a diverse, urban middle school environment and are comfortable engaging with the school to understand its academic support systems, Callanan could still be a viable option. The school sits in a city with a large employer base, parks, and cultural institutions, which may appeal to those seeking an active urban setting. Without program offerings listed, it is unclear whether the school offers specialized tracks in arts, STEM, or other areas. A visit and conversation with the principal would be the next step to fill in the rest of the picture.
See more original research from School Decision →