Serving 308 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Cattell Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 55-59% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 308 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 74%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Cattell Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Cattell Elementary School's student population of 308 students has declined by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
308 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Cattell Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cattell Elementary School is 0.76, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.47. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1056 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
8%
3%
Hispanic
34%
13%
Black
22%
7%
White
26%
71%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
9%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
79%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cattell Elementary School's ranking?
Cattell Elementary School is ranked #1056 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Cattell Elementary School?
308 students attend Cattell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
34% of Cattell Elementary School students are Hispanic, 26% of students are White, 22% of students are Black, 9% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cattell Elementary School?
Cattell Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Cattell Elementary School offer ?
Cattell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Cattell Elementary School part of?
Cattell Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Cattell Elementary School located?
Cattell Elementary School is located in the Highland Park neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 2 other public schools located in Highland Park.
School Reviews
5 11/10/2023
School has good spirit. Teacher''s very present and involved. Scores seem low. Hard to believe. So much effort from staff and teachers
Review Cattell Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex 51±¬ÁÏs are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
