Abraham Lincoln High School, usually referred to simply as Lincoln High School or Lincoln, is a public secondary school located in Des Moines Southside, Des Moines, Iowa, United States.
Serving 2,364 students in grades 9-12, Lincoln High 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 37% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 25:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,364 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Minority Enrollment: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 75% (Btm 50% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Lincoln High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Lincoln High School's student population of 2,364 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 94 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,364 students
Total Classroom Teachers
94 teachers
Year Founded
1923
Colors
Maroon and Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
'Come Here. Become Here.'
School Rankings
Lincoln High 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 Lincoln High School is 0.73, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1164 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
8%
3%
Hispanic
38%
14%
Black
17%
7%
White
30%
70%
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
75%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
65%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lincoln High School's ranking?
Lincoln High School is ranked #1164 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Lincoln High School often compared to?
Lincoln High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like East High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
37% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Lincoln High School?
The graduation rate of Lincoln High School is 75%, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend Lincoln High School?
2,364 students attend Lincoln High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of Lincoln High School students are Hispanic, 30% of students are White, 17% of students are Black, 8% of students are Asian, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lincoln High School?
Lincoln High School has a student ration of 25:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Lincoln High School offer ?
Lincoln High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lincoln High School part of?
Lincoln High School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Lincoln High School located?
Lincoln High School is located in the Greater South Side neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 1 other public schools located in Greater South Side.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
Offers very little independant one on one conversation between teacher and students. Music and art programs are drastically underfunded. parent involvement is minimal, and parts of south campus are destroyed/falling apart. Should be drastically improved.
5 10/10/2025
Good
Review Lincoln High 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
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
