Cowles Elementary School vs Horizon Science Academy Des Moines
A head-to-head comparison of two elementary schools in Iowa, United States, 1.9 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Cowles Elementary School
Des Moines · Public elementary · Grades PK–8
392 students
Horizon Science Academy Des Moines
Des Moines · Charter elementary · Grades PK–4
150 students
| Measure | Cowles Elementary School Des Moines, Iowa | Horizon Science Academy Des Moines Des Moines, Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 85 Top 5% | 31 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #108 of 654 | #650 of 654 |
| National rank | #2510 of 50,301 | #37948 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Public | Charter |
| Type | Elementary | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades PK–8 | Grades PK–4 |
| Students | 392 | 150 |
| Enrollment | 392 | 150 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 20.2% | 79.3% |
| Students per teacher | 17.0 | 18.8 |
| Reading proficiency | 88% | – |
| Math proficiency | 83% | – |
| city | Des Moines | Des Moines |
| state | Iowa | Iowa |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Cowles Elementary School scores higher on the Success Index (US) (84.8 vs 30.9).
- •Cowles Elementary School does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (20.2% vs 79.3%).
- •Cowles Elementary School does better on students per teacher (17.0 vs 18.8).
- •Cowles Elementary School is the larger school with 392 students compared with 150.
- •Cowles Elementary School is a public school while Horizon Science Academy Des Moines is a charter school, so fees and admission rules differ.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Cowles Elementary School better than Horizon Science Academy Des Moines?
On the Success Index (US), Cowles Elementary School ranks higher (84.8 vs 30.9 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Cowles Elementary School and Horizon Science Academy Des Moines?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Des Moines and Des Moines in Iowa.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Cowles Elementary School: 392. Horizon Science Academy Des Moines: 150. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Cowles Elementary School and Horizon Science Academy Des Moines rank in Iowa?
Cowles Elementary School is 108th of 654 and Horizon Science Academy Des Moines is 650th of 654 among elementary schools in Iowa on the 2025 Success Index (US).