The top reported proficiency rate is 81% in Math. The lowest is 72% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Crossroads Park Elementary School
Crossroads Park Elementary School serves kindergarten through sixth grade in West Des Moines, a city that blends suburban residential neighborhoods with major corporate corridors. The school sits within the West Des Moines Community School District, which operates eight elementary schools and a secondary structure that includes a dedicated freshman high school before students move to Valley High School. The district has been investing in capital construction projects, a publicly reported trend that shapes the physical learning environment families encounter.
Academically, Crossroads Park posts strong results. On Iowa’s state assessment, proficiency rates in math and English language arts are high, and science proficiency is solid as well. When measured against other elementary and middle schools across Polk County, the school’s overall performance across tested subjects sits above the midpoint of the county’s districts—a notable position given the size and diversity of the metropolitan area. This is a school where a large majority of students meet or exceed grade-level expectations, and the consistency across subjects suggests a well-grounded core instructional program.
The student body includes about five hundred and forty children in kindergarten through sixth grade, making it a mid-sized elementary for its grade band. The demographic mix is predominantly white, with a substantial Hispanic population, a smaller but notable Black population, and smaller shares of Asian students and students identifying as two or more races. Roughly a quarter of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, a measure that indicates some economic diversity but not extreme poverty. Data on students with disabilities and English learners were not available in the reported records; a parent considering the school may want to ask directly about the availability and structure of those programs.
The school’s home, West Des Moines, is one of Iowa’s fastest-growing cities, expanding westward into Dallas County and Warren County through active annexation. Major employers include finance and insurance headquarters such as Wells Fargo, Hy-Vee, and American Equity, as well as a large Microsoft data center. This employment base draws families from a range of professional backgrounds. The housing market reflects the area’s desirability: home values are above the state median, and the rent-to-income ratio suggests renting is more affordable than owning for many households. The community’s commercial life centers on the Jordan Creek Town Center area for large-scale retail and the Historic Valley Junction district for local shops and a farmers’ market. Most neighborhoods are low-density subdivisions built for car travel, though Valley Junction offers a more walkable main-street feel.
Because Crossroads Park serves only elementary and middle grades, there is no graduation rate to report, and no chronic absenteeism data were available in the school’s file. The absence of those metrics is typical for a school that does not include high school grades and is not a gap in the school’s performance. Similarly, no course access or staffing data were published; families may want to explore class sizes and enrichment offerings through the district’s website or a school visit.
Overall, Crossroads Park presents a strong academic record in a suburban setting that is both growing and economically vibrant. The school’s proficiency levels are well above average for the county, and the student body reflects the area’s racial and economic diversity without being concentrated in poverty. The missing special-population data is the main area a prospective parent would need to investigate further. For families seeking a reliably high-performing elementary school in a community with expanding employment and housing options, this school fits squarely within that profile.
See more original research from School Decision →