Serving 634 students in grades 6-8, Harding Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 64%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 634 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 84%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Harding Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Harding Middle School's student population of 634 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has declined by 28% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
634 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Harding Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,233 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Harding Middle School is 0.77, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.47. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1209 out of 1233 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
64%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
13%
3%
Hispanic
33%
13%
Black
28%
7%
White
16%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
9%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
81%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harding Middle School's ranking?
Harding Middle School is ranked #1209 out of 1,233 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Harding Middle School often compared to?
Harding Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Weeks Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% IA state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Harding Middle School?
634 students attend Harding Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of Harding Middle School students are Hispanic, 28% of students are Black, 16% of students are White, 13% of students are Asian, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Harding Middle School?
Harding Middle School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Harding Middle School offer ?
Harding Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Harding Middle School part of?
Harding Middle School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Harding Middle School located?
Harding Middle School is located in the Highland Park neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 2 other public schools located in Highland Park.
School Reviews
Review Harding Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.
