WALNUT STREET SCHOOL

Walnut Street 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 307 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 5th Grade. With about 20 teachers, Walnut Street School has a student/teacher ratio of about 15:1. 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.

Walnut Street School, located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, Iowa, is a unique public elementary institution known for its commitment to the Reggio Emilia approach to education. Unlike traditional neighborhood schools, Walnut Street serves as an application-based magnet school that draws students from across the Des Moines Independent Community School District. Its central philosophy emphasizes the "hundred languages of children," fostering an environment where student curiosity, creative expression, and collaborative inquiry serve as the primary drivers of the learning process.

The school’s physical and academic structure is designed to leverage its urban location, treating the downtown community as an extension of the classroom. By integrating project-based learning and an aesthetic-rich environment, the faculty encourages students to document their discoveries and engage deeply with complex questions. This holistic approach aims to develop critical thinkers who are not only academically proficient but also socially conscious, preparing them to thrive in a diverse and interconnected society.

For more information, contact Walnut Street School at (515) 242-8438 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.