McCombs Middle School vs South Union Elementary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Iowa, United States, 3.5 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
McCombs Middle School
Des Moines · Public middle · Grades 6–8
670 students
South Union Elementary School
Des Moines · Public elementary · Grades K–5
422 students
| Measure | McCombs Middle School Des Moines, Iowa | South Union Elementary School Des Moines, Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 45 Lower 50% | 34 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #230 of 239 | #646 of 654 |
| National rank | #8762 of 15,369 | #35817 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Middle | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades 6–8 | Grades K–5 |
| Students | 670 | 422 |
| Enrollment | 670 | 422 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 83.3% | 84.8% |
| Students per teacher | 17.2 | 12.8 |
| Reading proficiency | 47% | 34% |
| Math proficiency | 54% | 38% |
| city | Des Moines | Des Moines |
| state | Iowa | Iowa |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •McCombs Middle School scores higher on the Success Index (US) (44.8 vs 34.2).
- •McCombs Middle School does better on math proficiency (54% vs 38%).
- •McCombs Middle School does better on reading proficiency (47% vs 34%).
- •McCombs Middle School does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (83.3% vs 84.8%).
- •South Union Elementary School does better on students per teacher (12.8 vs 17.2).
- •McCombs Middle School is the larger school with 670 students compared with 422.
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 McCombs Middle School better than South Union Elementary School?
On the Success Index (US), McCombs Middle School ranks higher (44.8 vs 34.2 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 McCombs Middle School and South Union Elementary School?
About 3.5 km in a straight line, between Des Moines and Des Moines in Iowa.
Which has the better Enrollment?
McCombs Middle School: 670. South Union Elementary School: 422. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do McCombs Middle School and South Union Elementary School rank in Iowa?
McCombs Middle School is 230th of 239 and South Union Elementary School is 646th of 654 among middle schools in Iowa on the 2025 Success Index (US).