Serving 285 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Madison 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 40-44% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 285 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 79%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Madison 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
Madison Elementary School's student population of 285 students has grown by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
285 students
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
Come Here. Become Here.
School Rankings
Madison 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 Madison Elementary School is 0.65, 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
#1191 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
11%
3%
Hispanic
54%
14%
Black
6%
7%
White
21%
70%
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
78%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Lions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Madison Elementary School's ranking?
Madison Elementary School is ranked #1191 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?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Madison Elementary School?
285 students attend Madison Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
54% of Madison Elementary School students are Hispanic, 21% of students are White, 11% of students are Asian, 7% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Madison Elementary School?
Madison Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Madison Elementary School offer ?
Madison Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Madison Elementary School part of?
Madison Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Madison Elementary School located?
Madison Elementary School is located in the Capitol Park neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 2 other public schools located in Capitol Park.
School Reviews
Review Madison 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
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.
