Hillside Elementary School vs Merrill Middle School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Iowa, United States, 1.9 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Hillside Elementary School
West Des Moines · Public elementary · Grades PK–6
548 students
Merrill Middle School
Des Moines · Public middle · Grades 6–8
657 students
| Measure | Hillside Elementary School West Des Moines, Iowa | Merrill Middle School Des Moines, Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 66 Top 50% | 72 Top 25% |
| State rank | #484 of 654 | #155 of 239 |
| National rank | #14332 of 50,301 | #2878 of 15,369 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Elementary | Middle |
| Year range | Grades PK–6 | Grades 6–8 |
| Students | 548 | 657 |
| Enrollment | 548 | 657 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 71.7% | 43.7% |
| Students per teacher | 11.7 | 16.8 |
| Reading proficiency | 59% | 69% |
| Math proficiency | 66% | 68% |
| city | West Des Moines | Des Moines |
| state | Iowa | Iowa |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Merrill Middle School scores higher on the Success Index (US) (72.3 vs 65.7).
- •Merrill Middle School does better on math proficiency (68% vs 66%).
- •Merrill Middle School does better on reading proficiency (69% vs 59%).
- •Merrill Middle School does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (43.7% vs 71.7%).
- •Hillside Elementary School does better on students per teacher (11.7 vs 16.8).
- •Merrill Middle School is the larger school with 657 students compared with 548.
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 Hillside Elementary School better than Merrill Middle School?
On the Success Index (US), Merrill Middle School ranks higher (72.3 vs 65.7 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 Hillside Elementary School and Merrill Middle School?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between West Des Moines and Des Moines in Iowa.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Hillside Elementary School: 548. Merrill Middle School: 657. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Hillside Elementary School and Merrill Middle School rank in Iowa?
Hillside Elementary School is 484th of 654 and Merrill Middle School is 155th of 239 among elementary schools in Iowa on the 2025 Success Index (US).