| Metric | Des Moines Independent Community School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 30,739 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 59 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $13,949/yr | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | — | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines Independent Community School District (this district) | 1/10 | 1st | 30,739 |
| Des Moines Public Schools | 1/10 | 1st | 32,000 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 320 rated districts in IA → 1st percentile → 1/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Des Moines Independent Community School District
Des Moines Independent Community School District serves zip code 50315, covering Des Moines, Iowa with grades Pre-K–12th. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Funding and Resources
Des Moines Independent Community School District spent $13,949 per student in the 2019–20 school year (U.S. Dept. of Education CCD finance data), 8% above Iowa’s statewide $12,900 estimate. Of the district’s 2019 graduating cohort of 2,348 students, an estimated 77% earned a diploma within four years (EDFacts adjusted cohort graduation rate).
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 59 schools serving approximately 30,739 students, Des Moines Independent Community School District is a large district. Contact Des Moines Independent Community School District to learn about available programs and services.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
With a rating of 1/10 (poor), Des Moines Independent Community School District ranks among Iowa’s low-rated-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Iowa is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Des Moines Independent Community School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Iowa on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 50315
Children in zip code 50315 are assigned to Des Moines Independent Community School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 50315, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Des Moines Independent Community School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Iowa districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Des Moines
For families considering a purchase in the Des Moines area, district assignment matters financially. Because Des Moines Independent Community School District serves zip code 50315, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 50315. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Iowa, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Des Moines Independent Community School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 50315.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Des Moines Independent Community School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 50315 data.