Des Moines Independent School District

District Spending

The Des Moines Independent School District spends $10,339 per pupil in current expenditures.  The district spends 65% on instruction, 31% on support services, and 4% on other elementary and secondary expenditures.

District Student-Teacher Ratio

The Des Moines Independent School District has 15 students for every full-time equivalent teacher, with the IA state average being 14 students per full-time equivalent teacher.  

District Student Information

The Des Moines Independent School District had a grades 9-12 dropout rate of 8% in 2009.  The national grades 9-12 dropout rate in 2007 was 4.4%.  

In the Des Moines Independent School District, 17% of students have an IEP (Individualized Education Program).  An IEP is a written plan for students eligible for special needs services.  

The Des Moines Independent School District serves 14% English Language Learners (ELL).  ELL students are in the process of acquiring and learning English Language skills.