Downtown School vs Walnut Street School
A head-to-head comparison of two elementary schools in Iowa, United States, 1.1 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Downtown School
Des Moines · Public elementary · Grades K–5
197 students
Walnut Street School
Des Moines · Public elementary · Grades PK–5
257 students
| Measure | Downtown School Des Moines, Iowa | Walnut Street School Des Moines, Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 84 Top 10% | 58 Top 50% |
| State rank | #135 of 654 | #569 of 654 |
| National rank | #3029 of 50,301 | #19962 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Elementary | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades K–5 | Grades PK–5 |
| Students | 197 | 257 |
| Enrollment | 197 | 257 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 21.3% | 62.3% |
| Students per teacher | 14.1 | 15.1 |
| Reading proficiency | 77% | 52% |
| Math proficiency | 72% | 62% |
| city | Des Moines | Des Moines |
| state | Iowa | Iowa |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Downtown School scores higher on the Success Index (US) (83.7 vs 57.5).
- •Downtown School does better on math proficiency (72% vs 62%).
- •Downtown School does better on reading proficiency (77% vs 52%).
- •Downtown School does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (21.3% vs 62.3%).
- •Downtown School does better on students per teacher (14.1 vs 15.1).
- •Walnut Street School is the larger school with 257 students compared with 197.
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 Downtown School better than Walnut Street School?
On the Success Index (US), Downtown School ranks higher (83.7 vs 57.5 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 Downtown School and Walnut Street School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Des Moines and Des Moines in Iowa.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Downtown School: 197. Walnut Street School: 257. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Downtown School and Walnut Street School rank in Iowa?
Downtown School is 135th of 654 and Walnut Street School is 569th of 654 among elementary schools in Iowa on the 2025 Success Index (US).