The top reported proficiency rate is 35% in English language arts. The lowest is 27% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on King Elementary School
King Elementary School is a regular public elementary school in Des Moines, Iowa, serving students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It is part of the Des Moines Independent Community School District, Iowa’s largest district. The school sits within Des Moines, the state capital and a city that blends a downtown insurance and financial services core with dozens of residential neighborhoods. Major employers include Principal Financial Group, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, and large regional operations of Wells Fargo, Nationwide, and other corporations. The city has seen population growth in recent years, with tech companies such as Microsoft and Facebook building data centers in the area, signaling economic momentum.
Enrollment at King is moderate for an elementary school. The student body is highly diverse: the largest groups are Black and Hispanic students, followed by smaller shares of Asian, white, and multiracial students. A very high share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating that the school serves a population with significant economic need. The district does not publicly report the number of students with disabilities or English learners for this school; families may want to ask the school directly about those counts and the supports available.
On the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP), King’s performance across math, English language arts, and science was well below the midpoint when measured against other districts in Polk County. The school’s overall proficiency index placed it in the bottom quarter of the county. Proficiency rates in all three tested subjects were lower than what most families would expect for a typical elementary school. That said, high-poverty schools frequently face resource and readiness challenges that are reflected in assessment results, and a parent may want to discuss with the school what specific interventions or academic support programs are in place.
The school environment data—including discipline rates, chronic absenteeism, staffing ratios, and course access—was not available in the records reviewed. For an elementary school, course access is generally the core curriculum; absence of course access data is not unusual for this grade band. Still, a parent who wants details on class sizes, specialist teachers (art, music, physical education), or before- and after-school programs would need to contact the school directly.
Housing in the area around King is modestly priced relative to both state and national benchmarks, though rents have been rising. Des Moines maintains a large park and trail system, and major civic anchors such as the Iowa State Capitol, the Des Moines Art Center, and the Iowa State Fairgrounds are within a short drive. The city has grown in population and economic activity, but specific new housing developments near the school were not detailed in available sources.
King Elementary offers a traditional elementary program in a city school setting with a diverse, economically disadvantaged student body. Its test results are low compared with most other Polk County districts, and the lack of publicly available civil rights and staffing data means families will need to gather additional information directly. For a family weighing this school, the key question is whether the school’s academic support systems, teacher stability, and school climate align with what the student needs. The community context of Des Moines—a growing capital city with a strong employment base—may appeal to families who value urban amenities and diversity, but the school’s academic outcomes warrant a close look.
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