Original Research by School Decision on North High School
North High School is a regular public high school in Des Moines, part of the Des Moines Independent Community School District, serving grades nine through twelve. It is a large school with an enrollment that reflects the diversity of the city itself. The student body is a mix of Hispanic, White, Black, Asian, and students of two or more races, with Hispanic students making up the largest group. A large majority of students come from households with low incomes, as measured by eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch, which is a key context for understanding the school’s resources and support needs.
The most recent state assessment results from the 2024-25 school year give a snapshot of academic performance. In English language arts, a moderate share of students demonstrated proficiency. In science, the share was similar and slightly better. Math proficiency was lower, with many students not yet meeting grade-level benchmarks. These results come from a single year of data, so there is no trend to examine. For a high school, the graduation rate is a central measure of success, but that metric was not available in the data. A parent or resident evaluating this school would want to seek that information directly from the district or school, as it is a critical piece of the picture.
Des Moines itself is Iowa’s capital and the state’s most populous city, with a strong insurance and financial services sector as the backbone of its economy. The city has expanded through annexation and drawn major tech companies to build data centers and logistics facilities in the area, signaling ongoing development. The school sits in the northern part of the city, and the broader metro area has seen steady population growth. Parks and trails are abundant, and civic anchors like the Iowa State Capitol and the Des Moines Art Center are nearby. This is an urban context with economic diversity.
The data does not include information on Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment, career and technical education pathways, or other program offerings. Without that, it is impossible to gauge the breadth of academic opportunities available to students. Similarly, there is no disciplinary data, staffing ratios, or chronic absenteeism figures. These gaps leave a significant portion of the school’s environment unaccounted for. For a family considering North High School, asking directly about course access, support for English learners and students with disabilities, and school climate would fill in the missing pieces.
North High School serves a high-need student population, and its assessment results suggest that many students are still working toward proficiency, particularly in math. The lack of a reported graduation rate is a notable blank spot. The school’s size and urban location mean it draws from many neighborhoods and faces the challenges and strengths of a large, diverse comprehensive high school. A parent would benefit from visiting, talking to current families, and learning about what supports and programs are actually in place beyond what the limited public data reveals.
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