At a glance
Reported students
678
NCES CCD 2024–25
Teachers (FTE)
48.68
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
13.9:1
Calculated; not a class-size measure
Grades served
09–09
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
Iowa other enrollment
90th percentile
Compared with 52 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
570
Valley Southwoods: 678 reported students.
State peer staffing position
26th percentile
13.9:1 reported; state peer median 17:1. 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
- 766
- Teachers (FTE)
- 41.39
- Student–teacher ratio
- 18.5:1
What the reported data says about Valley Southwoods
Valley Southwoods is a public combined / other school serving grades 09–09 in West Des Moines. It is one of 13 current school records connected to West Des Moines Comm School District. NCES reports 678 students for 2024–25.
Among 52 combined / other schools in Iowa with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 113.5 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 90th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 13.9:1, below the Iowa median of 17:1 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 White (57.7%) and Hispanic or Latino (17.6%). English learners represent 8.7% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 9.4%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports AP student enrollment, gifted and talented programming. The school reported 1 AP course. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.
Questions worth asking Valley Southwoods
- 1How do the reported 13.9:1 student–teacher ratio and 48.68 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Have the reported academic programs changed since the 2021–22 CRDC collection?
- 3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 2 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
- 8.7%
- Students with disabilities
- 9.4%
- Free/reduced-price lunch
- 49%
- Lunch program
- Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Reported support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 2
- Nurses (FTE)
- 0
- 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
- White57.7%
- Hispanic17.6%
- Black11.7%
- Asian6.3%
- American Indian / Alaska Native0.4%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0%
- Multiracial6.3%
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
AP student enrollment
Students enrolled
1 distinct course reported
Gifted and talented
Offered
Computer science
Not reported as 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 West Des Moines Comm School District
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
Indian Hills Junior High School
Middle · Grades 07–08
661 reported students
Jordan Creek Elementary School
Elementary · Grades PK–06
652 reported students
Stilwell Junior High School
Middle · Grades 07–08
645 reported students
Westridge Elementary
Elementary · Grades PK–06
744 reported students
Western Hills Elementary School
Elementary · Grades PK–06
570 reported students
Crestview School of Inquiry
Elementary · Grades PK–06
558 reported students
Public schools near Valley Southwoods
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby Van Meter Other · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | KG–12 | 109 | 5.5 mi |
| Prairieview School Other · Waukee Comm School District | 09–09 | 539 | 6 mi |
| Woodlawn Early Childhood Center Other · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | PK–PK | 216 | 6.8 mi |
| Jessie Franklin Taylor Other · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | PK–PK | 195 | 6.9 mi |
| Vince Meyer Early Learning Center Other · Waukee Comm School District | PK–PK | 348 | 7.4 mi |
| Mitchell Early Childhood Center Other · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | PK–PK | 292 | 7.4 mi |
Frequently asked questions about Valley Southwoods
What grades does Valley Southwoods serve?
Valley Southwoods reports grades 09–09 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as a school in West Des Moines Comm School District.
How many students attend Valley Southwoods?
Valley Southwoods reported 678 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 90th percentile among 52 Iowa combined or other schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 766 students.
What is the student–teacher ratio at Valley Southwoods?
The calculated ratio is 13.9:1, based on 678 students and 48.68 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The Iowa median for the same school level is 17:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.
Is Valley Southwoods a public, charter, or magnet school?
Valley Southwoods is a public school and is not a charter school. Enrollment is generally based on West Des Moines Comm School District attendance boundaries and transfer rules.
What share of Valley Southwoods students qualify for free or reduced-price meals?
49% 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 Valley Southwoods in?
Valley Southwoods is part of West Des Moines Comm School District, based in West Des Moines, IA, which operates 13 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.
What public schools are near Valley Southwoods?
The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Ruby Van Meter (5.5 mi), Prairieview School (6 mi), Woodlawn Early Childhood Center (6.8 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.