DOWNTOWN SCHOOL

Downtown School is a public elementary school that is part of the Des Moines Independent Comm School District school district, located in Des Moines, IA with about 271 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 6th Grade. With about 19 teachers, Downtown School has a student/teacher ratio of about 14:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The **Downtown School**, located at 1800 Grand Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa, is a unique public elementary school within the Des Moines Public Schools district. It is widely recognized for its multi-age classroom structure, where students are grouped in "families" that span two or three grade levels (such as K–1, 2–3, or 4–5). This model is designed to foster a strong sense of community, encourage peer-to-peer mentoring, and allow students to progress at their own individual pace rather than being strictly confined to traditional age-based curriculum benchmarks.

The school is also notable for its highly integrated, inquiry-based approach to learning, which frequently utilizes the surrounding downtown Des Moines area as an extension of the classroom. By leveraging its central location, the school emphasizes project-based learning that connects students to city resources, local businesses, and cultural institutions. This hands-on, community-focused philosophy, combined with a high degree of parental involvement and a collaborative teaching environment, makes it a distinct choice for families seeking an alternative, experiential approach to public primary education.

For more information, contact Downtown School at (515) 284-5848 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.