📊 What this ranking measures
Rankings are based on academic achievement — the share of students scoring proficient or above on state reading and math assessments (ISASP 2024–25), ranked against other districts in the same state — not on spending, district size, or staffing. See full methodology →
33 Rated Districts in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Metro Area
ISASP 2024–25 · percentile among Iowa districts
Best School Districts in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Metro Area (2026)
Counties are assigned to metropolitan areas using the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 delineation, and each district is placed in the county of its NCES directory listing. Ratings come from ISASP 2024–25 (Iowa) and are percentile-ranked within the district's own state. Always confirm your assignment by address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best-rated school district in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area? ▼
Among the 33 rated districts in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, the highest-rated is Van Meter Community School District (Van Meter), rated 10/10 (Excellent) and in the 99th percentile of Iowa districts on ISASP 2024–25 reading and math proficiency.
How are these rankings calculated? ▼
Each district's rating comes from the share of its students scoring proficient or above on state reading and math assessments, percentile-ranked against all rated districts in its state and converted to a 1–10 scale. Full methodology here.