At a glance
Reported students
535
NCES CCD 2024–25
Teachers (FTE)
36
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
14.9:1
Calculated; not a class-size measure
Grades served
PK–05
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
Iowa elementary enrollment
88th percentile
Compared with 663 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
380
Garton Elementary: 535 reported students.
State peer staffing position
81st percentile
14.9:1 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
- 474
- Teachers (FTE)
- 38.7
- Student–teacher ratio
- 12.2:1
What the reported data says about Garton Elementary
Garton 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 535 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 88th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 14.9:1, above 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 (45.4%) and White (18.9%). English learners represent 37.8% 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 Garton Elementary
- 1How do the reported 14.9:1 student–teacher ratio and 36 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 1.9 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
- 37.8%
- Students with disabilities
- 13.9%
- Free/reduced-price lunch
- 89.3%
- Lunch program
- Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Reported support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 1.9
- 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
- White18.9%
- Hispanic45.4%
- Black17.6%
- Asian10.8%
- American Indian / Alaska Native0%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0.2%
- Multiracial7.1%
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.
Capitol View Elementary School
Elementary · Grades PK–05
533 reported students
Morris Elementary School
Elementary · Grades KG–05
519 reported students
Studebaker Elementary School
Elementary · Grades KG–05
561 reported students
River Woods Elementary School
Elementary · Grades KG–05
493 reported students
Jackson Elementary School
Elementary · Grades PK–05
490 reported students
Moulton Elementary School
Elementary · Grades PK–05
465 reported students
Public schools near Garton 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phillips Elementary Elementary · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | KG–05 | 263 | 0.9 mi |
| Cattell Elementary School Elementary · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | KG–05 | 314 | 1.6 mi |
| Stowe Elementary School Elementary · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | KG–05 | 297 | 1.7 mi |
| Madison Elementary School Elementary · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | PK–05 | 285 | 1.9 mi |
| Brubaker Elementary School Elementary · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | KG–05 | 622 | 2.1 mi |
| Findley Elementary School Elementary · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | KG–06 | 324 | 2.2 mi |
Frequently asked questions about Garton Elementary
What grades does Garton Elementary serve?
Garton 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 Garton Elementary?
Garton Elementary reported 535 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 88th percentile among 663 Iowa elementary schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 474 students.
What is the student–teacher ratio at Garton Elementary?
The calculated ratio is 14.9:1, based on 535 students and 36 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 Garton Elementary a public, charter, or magnet school?
Garton 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 Garton Elementary students qualify for free or reduced-price meals?
89.3% 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 Garton Elementary in?
Garton 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 Garton Elementary?
The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Phillips Elementary (0.9 mi), Cattell Elementary School (1.6 mi), Stowe Elementary School (1.7 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.