Polk County Schools & Education
Polk County, Iowa
School Score
47/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
87.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 92.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,679
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,591
School Score
47/100
Higher = better
State avg 61/100
State School Rank
#87
of 99 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Polk County, Iowa
Iowa's Largest Educational Hub
Polk County operates a massive network of 132 public schools serving nearly 79,000 students across 9 districts. This robust system includes 83 elementary schools, 22 middle schools, and 16 high schools.
Scaling Education in the Capital Region
The county maintains an 87.9% graduation rate, which aligns with the national average but trails the Iowa state average. Per-pupil spending sits at $7,679, slightly higher than the state average yet well below the national mark of $13,000.
Des Moines Independent and Suburban Leaders
Des Moines Independent is the state's largest district, managing 59 schools and over 30,000 students. Other major suburban districts include Ankeny and West Des Moines, all of which operate without charter schools.
Urban and Suburban Campus Life
This is Iowa's most urbanized system, featuring 69 city schools and 44 suburban campuses. Lincoln High School enrolls over 2,400 students, contributing to a county-wide average school size of 598.
Find Your Home Near Des Moines Schools
With diverse options ranging from urban Des Moines to suburban Ankeny, families find plenty of high-performing neighborhoods. Consider local school scores as a key metric when searching for your next home in the capital region.
School Overview
Total Schools
132
in Polk County
Total Enrollment
78,991
students
School Districts
9
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
9 School Districts in Polk County
Des Moines Independent Comm School District
Ankeny Comm School District
West Des Moines Comm School District
Johnston Comm School District
Southeast Polk Comm School District
Urbandale Comm School District
Bondurant-Farrar Comm School District
North Polk Comm School District
Saydel Comm School District
132 Public Schools in Polk County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln High School | Des Moines Independent Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 2,403 |
| Southeast Polk High School | Southeast Polk Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 2,353 |
| Valley High School | West Des Moines Comm School District | 10–12 | High | 2,152 |
| East High School | Des Moines Independent Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 2,040 |
| Roosevelt High School | Des Moines Independent Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 1,986 |
| Johnston Senior High School | Johnston Comm School District | 10–12 | High | 1,790 |
| North High School | Des Moines Independent Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 1,458 |
| Ankeny Centennial High School | Ankeny Comm School District | 10–12 | High | 1,443 |
| Ankeny High School | Ankeny Comm School District | 10–12 | High | 1,347 |
| Urbandale High School | Urbandale Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 1,347 |
| Johnston Middle School | Johnston Comm School District | 8–9 | Other | 1,166 |
| Summit Middle School | Johnston Comm School District | 6–7 | Middle | 1,112 |
| Southeast Polk Junior High | Southeast Polk Comm School District | 7–8 | Middle | 1,088 |
| Northview Middle School | Ankeny Comm School District | 8–9 | Other | 1,065 |
| Prairie Ridge Middle School | Ankeny Comm School District | 6–7 | Middle | 1,025 |
| Hoover High School | Des Moines Independent Comm School District | 9–12 | High | 991 |
| Southview Middle School | Ankeny Comm School District | 8–9 | Other | 896 |
| Urbandale Middle School | Urbandale Comm School District | 6–8 | Middle | 894 |
| Henry A Wallace Elementary School | Johnston Comm School District | PK–5 | Primary | 876 |
| Parkview Middle School | Ankeny Comm School District | 6–7 | Middle | 867 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,679
State avg $7,591
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Polk County, Iowa — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Polk County, Iowa?
Polk County operates a massive network of 132 public schools serving nearly 79,000 students across 9 districts. This robust system includes 83 elementary schools, 22 middle schools, and 16 high schools.
How do schools in Polk County perform academically?
The county maintains an 87.9% graduation rate, which aligns with the national average but trails the Iowa state average. Per-pupil spending sits at $7,679, slightly higher than the state average yet well below the national mark of $13,000.
What are the major school districts in Polk County, Iowa?
Des Moines Independent is the state's largest district, managing 59 schools and over 30,000 students. Other major suburban districts include Ankeny and West Des Moines, all of which operate without charter schools.
What is the school experience like in Polk County?
This is Iowa's most urbanized system, featuring 69 city schools and 44 suburban campuses. Lincoln High School enrolls over 2,400 students, contributing to a county-wide average school size of 598.
How can I find homes near good schools in Polk County, Iowa?
With diverse options ranging from urban Des Moines to suburban Ankeny, families find plenty of high-performing neighborhoods. Consider local school scores as a key metric when searching for your next home in the capital region.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.