SCAVO ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL

Scavo Alternative High School is a Title I public high school that is part of the Des Moines Independent Comm School District school district, located in Des Moines, IA with about 393 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 28 teachers, Scavo Alternative High 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.

Scavo Alternative High School, located on Grand Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa, serves as a specialized educational environment designed for students who require a non-traditional approach to earning their diploma. Unlike a conventional high school, Scavo is structured to accommodate learners who may have fallen behind in credits, face significant life challenges, or struggle to thrive in a traditional classroom setting. The school prioritizes a supportive, flexible atmosphere that focuses on credit recovery, accelerated learning, and personalized attention to help students stay on track toward graduation.

Beyond academics, the school places a strong emphasis on holistic student support, often integrating social-emotional learning and community resources into the daily experience. By maintaining smaller class sizes and fostering close relationships between students and staff, Scavo aims to remove barriers to education and build a sense of belonging. The institution serves as a critical safety net within the Des Moines Public School District, empowering students to overcome obstacles and gain the necessary skills to transition into post-secondary education, the workforce, or vocational training.

For more information, contact Scavo Alternative High School at (515) 242-7589 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.