227 E Dunham Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315

Waukee Elem has been a great school. The leaders are always prompt in discussing my concerns and addressing any issues - kids are still kids but W.E. Does a great job with The Leader In Me curriculum to help students grow and learn.

This review is not just reflective of this school, but the Waukee district as a whole. This district and school are just too large to really be effective. My 10th grader didn't get into any electives they wanted this year due to them being full. I am talking about basic electives like Art 1. Unfortunately, classes like this are a pre-requisite for more advanced electives and this is already the second year of high school for my child. This doesn't leave much time to explore career interests, and post-secondary readiness is an area the Waukee schools fall short in based on state standards. The general attitude of staff at this school is one of disinterest and lack of concern. Nobody seems to care that a sophomore is not able to get into very basic electives. Also, teachers hand out "F" grades like candy. My student is a very hard worker and has achieved an over 3.5 GPA prior to this school. Now, getting an F on assignments, quizzes, tests is commonplace. I have talked with other parents who have the same experience. If you are lucky, certain teachers will allow a retake, but often it seems like they enjoy placing these F grades. These teachers seem to have no accountability. If a student is failing a test, quiz, or anything really. They really should reach out to the student and family to find a solution. Instead, I feel like teachers/staff act like I am being unreasonable when I ask for clarification on grades, what can be done to improve, etc. It's almost like they want the kids to fail. I would recommend finding a smaller school district and really look at those state ratings and standards. If the state is raising alarms about a school and district, it is definitely for good reason.

I had students follow me home, and jump me. I was bullied badly. Came home crying, scared to go the next day, and moved cities because of bullying and sexual assault.