Central Des Moines

We have a sixth grader who is finishing up her time at Des Moines and a kindergartner who is just getting started. The best things about the school:1) It's a tiny and close knit community. The staff know everyone by name. The parents feelVery comfortable at the school. The kids treat it like an extension of home. 2) Our sixth grader has had five great teachers over seven years. Why only five? Because she got to loop twice. Looping was a huge blessing for our family - having a multi-year bond with a teacher is incredible. 3) The staff are tied to the community. Looking for DME staff? Check the school auction, the charity softball game, the community concert... they're everywhere. Once the kindergartener finishes atDes Moines, we will have been a DME family for13 years. This is a special thing. One note: if you're curious about how to vote on the next school bond measure, one quick tour of DME will provide a lot of insight. The building is absolutely ridiculous by today's standards. The boiler is so loud it interrupts teaching time, the water runs brownish, the cafeteria has to be sand-bagged during rainstorms... I could go on forever. That said, the staff do the best they can with what they've got, and the kids benefit from their efforts.

I give this school 5 stars. My 2 boys started here and I’m excited for my daughter to attend as well.

I bought our home specifically so my children could attend this school. You will not find a more dedicated and caring group of educators anywhere in the state.

Great opportunity for all kids beyond their cultural difference. Great enviornment for the kid's growth both academically and spiritually. Overall, good school. My son loves to go here each and every day with more excitement and eagerness to learn.