Des Moines Independent School District

The Des Moines Independent School District is located in Des Moines, IA and includes 60 schools that serve 31,866 students in grades PK through 12.  

District Spending

The Des Moines Independent School District spends $8,899 per pupil in current expenditures.  The district spends 63% on instruction, 32% on support services, and 4% on other elementary and secondary expenditures.

District Student-Teacher Ratio

The Des Moines Independent School District has 14 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 7% in 2005.  The national grades 9-12 dropout rate in 2005 was 3.9%.  

In the Des Moines Independent School District, 19% 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 12% English Language Learners (ELL).  ELL students are in the process of acquiring and learning English Language skills.