At a glance
Reported students
436
NCES CCD 2024–25
Teachers (FTE)
30.78
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
14.2:1
Calculated; not a class-size measure
Grades served
PK–05
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
Iowa elementary enrollment
75th percentile
Compared with 663 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
380
Carver Elementary: 436 reported students.
State peer staffing position
68th percentile
14.2:1 reported; state peer median 13.3:1. Ratio is not class size.
Historical enrollment and staffing · CRDC 2021–22
These older figures are kept separate from 2024–25 statistics and benchmarks. Differences between years can reflect changes in enrollment, staffing, or reporting scope.
- Students
- 439
- Teachers (FTE)
- 39.3
- Student–teacher ratio
- 11.2:1
What the reported data says about Carver Elementary
Carver Elementary is a public elementary school serving grades PK–05 in Des Moines. It is one of 59 current school records connected to Des Moines Independent Comm School District. NCES reports 436 students for 2024–25.
Among 663 elementary schools in Iowa with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 322 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 75th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 14.2:1, close to the Iowa median of 13.3:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.
The largest reported race and ethnicity groups are Hispanic or Latino (59.6%) and Black (22%). English learners represent 48.7% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 13.9%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports gifted and talented programming. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.
Questions worth asking Carver Elementary
- 1How do the reported 14.2:1 student–teacher ratio and 30.78 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Which advanced, gifted, career, arts, and computer-science courses are available this year, and how do students qualify?
- 3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 1 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
- 4Does community eligibility provide breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, and are summer meals available?
Enrollment needs
- English learners
- 48.7%
- Students with disabilities
- 13.9%
- Free/reduced-price lunch
- 92.4%
- Lunch program
- Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Reported support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 1
- Nurses (FTE)
- 1
- Psychologists (FTE)
- 0
- Social workers (FTE)
- 0
CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.
Student demographics
Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment
- White7.1%
- Hispanic59.6%
- Black22%
- Asian4.4%
- American Indian / Alaska Native0.9%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0%
- Multiracial6%
Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Lunch eligibility: NCES CCD 2024–25. Privacy rules can produce missing values.
Programs reported by the school
Gifted and talented
Offered
CRDC 2021–22: the AP flag records student enrollment; gifted and computer-science fields describe reported programs/classes. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.
Other schools in Des Moines Independent Comm School District
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
Perkins Elementary School
Elementary · Grades KG–05
438 reported students
South Union Elementary School
Elementary · Grades KG–06
422 reported students
Moulton Elementary School
Elementary · Grades PK–05
465 reported students
Lovejoy Elementary School
Elementary · Grades KG–05
394 reported students
Cowles Elementary School
Elementary · Grades PK–08
392 reported students
Samuelson Elementary School
Elementary · Grades KG–05
386 reported students
Public schools near Carver Elementary
Closest campuses by straight-line distance between NCES geocodes, favoring the same school level. Distance is not drive time or an attendance assignment.
| School | Grades | Students | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moulton Elementary School Elementary · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | PK–05 | 465 | 1 mi |
| Capitol View Elementary School Elementary · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | PK–05 | 533 | 1 mi |
| Walnut Street School Elementary · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | PK–05 | 257 | 1.3 mi |
| Edmunds Elementary School Elementary · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | KG–06 | 259 | 1.5 mi |
| King Elementary School Elementary · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | KG–05 | 315 | 1.7 mi |
| Findley Elementary School Elementary · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | KG–06 | 324 | 1.7 mi |
Frequently asked questions about Carver Elementary
What grades does Carver Elementary serve?
Carver Elementary reports grades PK–05 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as an elementary school in Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
How many students attend Carver Elementary?
Carver Elementary reported 436 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 75th percentile among 663 Iowa elementary schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 439 students.
What is the student–teacher ratio at Carver Elementary?
The calculated ratio is 14.2:1, based on 436 students and 30.78 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The Iowa median for the same school level is 13.3:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.
Is Carver Elementary a public, charter, or magnet school?
Carver Elementary is a public school and is not a charter school. Enrollment is generally based on Des Moines Independent Comm School District attendance boundaries and transfer rules.
What share of Carver Elementary students qualify for free or reduced-price meals?
92.4% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2024–25. The school participates in community eligibility, which can provide meals to every student and changes how eligibility is reported. This describes the students served and is not a quality measure.
Which school district is Carver Elementary in?
Carver Elementary is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District, based in Des Moines, IA, which operates 59 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.
What public schools are near Carver Elementary?
The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Moulton Elementary School (1 mi), Capitol View Elementary School (1 mi), Walnut Street School (1.3 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.