Serving 94 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Smouse Opportunity 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 was ≤20% (which was lower than the Iowa state average of 76%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts was 21-39% (which was lower than the Iowa state average of 74%).
The student-teacher ratio of 6:1 was lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment was 57% of the student body (majority Black), which was higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
School Overview
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
94 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
School Rankings
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(17-18)≤20%
76%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(17-18)21-39%
74%
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
8%
3%
Hispanic
13%
13%
Black
27%
7%
White
43%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
76%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 76% IA state average), while 21-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 74% IA state average).
How many students attend Smouse Opportunity School?
94 students attend Smouse Opportunity School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
43% of Smouse Opportunity School students are White, 27% of students are Black, 13% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Asian, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Smouse Opportunity School?
Smouse Opportunity School has a student ration of 6:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Smouse Opportunity School offer ?
Smouse Opportunity School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Smouse Opportunity School part of?
Smouse Opportunity School is part of Des Moines Independent Community School District.
Recent Articles
10 Advantages of ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Education in 2025
Explore 10 key benefits of public education in 2025, with fresh statistics, expert insights, and real-world examples for parents and educators.
COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on U.S. ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools (2025)
Explore how COVID-19 continues to affect U.S. public schools in 2025: learning losses, enrollment shifts, mental health, and recovery strategies.
