NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

North 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 1,319 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. Student demographics can be found below. 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 71 teachers, North High School has a student/teacher ratio of about 18:1. 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.

North High School, located at 501 Holcomb Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa, is a historic institution serving the north side of the Des Moines Independent Community School District. Known for its distinct architectural presence, the school has long been a centerpiece of its neighborhood, fostering a strong sense of community pride and tradition. It serves a diverse student population, offering a wide array of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and athletic opportunities designed to prepare students for post-secondary success.

Beyond its academic curriculum, North High School is recognized for its commitment to student engagement and school spirit, often referred to by the mascot, the Polar Bears. The school provides various support services, career-technical education pathways, and clubs that cater to a range of interests, helping students build essential skills in leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking. As a vital part of the Des Moines public school system, North High continues to prioritize inclusivity and academic growth, striving to meet the evolving needs of its students within the urban landscape of Iowa’s capital.

For more information, contact North High School at (515) 242-7200 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.

501 Holcomb Ave
Des Moines, IA 50313
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NORTH HIGH SCHOOL is a public Title I school in Des Moines, IA with about 1,319 enrolled students. See other public high schools in Iowa

School Details

2017-2018
Level:
High School
Charter School:*
No
Total Students:
1,319
Teachers:
71
NSLP Status:1
Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Qualified free lunch:
0
Qualified reduced-price lunch:
0
Title I Status:2
Title I schoolwide school
Virtual:
Supplemental Virtual
Grade Levels Offered
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade

* A public charter school is a publicly funded school that is typically governed by a group or organization under a legislative contract with the state, the district, or another entity. The charter exempts the school from certain state or local rules and regulations.

1 The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides eligible students with free or reduced-price lunch

2 Title I, Part A (Title I) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families.

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School Demographics for 1,319 students

Hispanic/Latino
31.2%
Black or African American
25.9%
White
25.2%
Asian
11.2%
Two or more races
5.5%
American Indian or Alaska Native
0.6%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0.5%

Female
49.9%
Male
50.1%

Data for school year 2017-2018 — The information found on this website was provided in part by the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics & various other external sources. We do not verify the contents of the information provided and therefore, cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information displayed on this website.