The top reported proficiency rate is 54% in English language arts. The lowest is 36% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Jackson Elementary School
Jackson Elementary School is a regular public elementary school in Des Moines, serving preschool through fifth grade as part of the Des Moines Independent Community School District. The school sits on Indianola Avenue on the city's south side, within Iowa's capital and most populous city. Des Moines is a commercial and residential hub with a strong insurance and financial services sector, substantial parkland and trail infrastructure, and a downtown core anchored by the state capitol and cultural institutions. The metro area has seen population growth in recent years, with tech companies building data and logistics facilities in the region, signaling ongoing economic development.
The student body at Jackson is diverse. The largest ethnic group is Hispanic, followed by White, Black, and Asian students, with smaller shares identifying as two or more races. A substantial majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a community with significant economic need. Data on the percentage of students with disabilities and English learners was not reported, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about the availability of special education services and English language support.
On the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress, administered in the 2024-25 school year, Jackson’s overall proficiency across tested subjects places it in the bottom quarter relative to other schools in Polk County. In math, roughly half of students scored at or above the proficient level. In English language arts, a slightly higher share reached proficiency. Science results were lower, with just over a third of students meeting the proficiency bar. These figures represent a single year of data, and no prior year results were available for trend comparison, so it is not possible to say whether performance is improving or declining.
Because Jackson is an elementary school, it does not have a graduation rate or a chronic absenteeism rate to report. Those metrics typically apply only to high schools. Staffing ratios, discipline data, and course access details were also not provided, which limits a full picture of the school environment.
The school’s academic standing sits below the median among its county peers, and the combination of high poverty rates and modest test scores may raise questions for some families about the level of academic intervention and enrichment available. Des Moines offers a wide range of neighborhood contexts, and housing in Jackson's zip code area is relatively more affordable than both the state and national averages, which matters for families weighing school performance against housing costs.
Jackson Elementary is a mid-sized urban school serving a low-income, racially and ethnically diverse population. Its test results are on the lower end when compared across Polk County, particularly in science. A parent considering this school would likely want to learn more about the specific instructional supports and programs in place, especially for students who are not yet meeting grade-level benchmarks. The broader Des Moines area provides a robust civic and economic backdrop, but the school itself appears to be one where families may need to be proactive in understanding how the school addresses its academic challenges.
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