Best Merle Hay Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 647 students in the neighborhood of Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Merle Hay are Hillis Elementary School and Moore Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 69% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public elementary school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in the neighborhood of Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hillis Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2401 56th St
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 242-8412
Gr: K-5 | 291 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #22.
Moore Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
3725 52nd St
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 242-8426
Gr: K-5 | 298 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 66%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA include Hillis Elementary School and Moore Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in the neighborhood of Merle Hay, Des Moines?
2 public elementary schools are located in the neighborhood of Merle Hay, Des Moines.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Merle Hay, Des Moines?
the neighborhood of Merle Hay, Des Moines public elementary schools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the Iowa public elementary schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).

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