Des Moines Public Schools

The Des Moines Independent Community School District is accredited by the North Central Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges and the Iowa Department of Education.

The Des Moines Community School District serves approximately 30,783 students at over 60 attendance centers. Approximately 64 percent of the district’s students are now eligible to receive free or reduced lunch, and approximately 41 percent are minority students. English Language Learners (ELL) constituted 12.5 percent of the district enrollment in 2008-09 and special education students constituted 16.6 percent.

Career & Technology Education Middle School In an effort to help students develop a broad range of skills, many career and technology introductory courses are offered in grades six and seven. The courses include Computers, Family and Consumer Sciences and Technology Education. These courses are also available in grade eight. The goal of these courses is to help students explore and develop personal use skills and give them exposure to different career areas. High School Teaching the skills today for tomorrow’s jobs is the goal of the Des Moines Public Schools career and technology programs. Career and technical programs at the high school level are a crucial aspect of a student’s future. The skills learned in these courses help students build successful personal and professional lives. Academic and career skills are integrated to provide students with basic and advanced skills in six career areas including agriculture, business education, family sciences, computer sciences, health, marketing and technology education. Central Campus For students pursuing a specific career area, college level curriculum courses are offered at the Career and Technical Institute at Central Campus. Some of the courses at Central Campus include Auto Collision Repair, Aviation Technology, Graphic Design, Home Remodeling and Welding Technology.

How to Enroll Your Child Children entering kindergarten must be five years old on or before September 15. Children entering first grade must be six years old on or before that date. Parents or guardians must be present at the time of enrollment to furnish the child's birth certificate or other proof of birth. State law requires that all students enrolling in Iowa schools furnish a certificate of immunization for diptheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, rubella and hepatitis B. Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) vaccination is only required for children entering preschool or day care. The Des Moines Public Schools requests that all new students have a physical examination. Physicals are also requested when students enter preschool or kindergarten and third, sixth and ninth grades. Copies of the immunization and physical examination forms are available at all schools. The immunization requirement may be waived for religious reasons. Students who have lived in a country other than the United States within the past calendar year must provide proof of tuberculosis status before attending schools. The Mantoux test is requested.

Fall 2010 classes begin the week of September 20 and continue through the fall!

Our Fall Class Catalog appeared as an insert in the Des Moines Register on August 24, and in the current Cityview Magazine dated August 26.

It will also be available this week at all Des Moines Public Schools, all Des Moines Public Libraries,
and many surrounding suburban libraries and businesses.

Teaching a Community Education class can be a rewarding experience. If you'd like to share your skills and talents, we invite you to consider teaching a class with Community Education.. This is an opportunity for people with specific expertise to expand their personal interest and facilitate growth for others.

Metro Kids is a fee-based before- and after-school child-care program available in elementary schools on school days. All kindergarten through fifth-grade students are eligible. Program hours are 6:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. On non-school days, all-day child-care services are available at regional sites.

For more information, contact Jane Bishop, Metro Kids Administrator at (515) 242-7951.

Welcome Center Provides Assistance to Families

The Welcome Center, located at 1301 2nd Ave., provides assistance for families who want to learn more about the educational opportunities available for preschool age children and non-English speaking children who need assistance through the English Language Learner Program.

At the Welcome Center, families can register children for a variety of preschool programs located throughout the district, including full-day programs, half-day programs, and programs that meet the needs of working parents. Some of the programs have income-based eligibility and others, like the universal preschool programs, have no cost. The district also partners with child care centers, faith-based preschools, and the Science Center to offer quality preschool experiences.

Assessments and placement of non-speaking children or newcomers who need assistance through the English Language Learner Program is provided at the Welcome Center. This allows children to be placed in a timely manner at a comprehensive ELL school and receive appropriate services as soon as they enroll.

The Welcome Center staff enrolls children throughout the year and can help families choose a program that meets their needs. We pride ourselves on making a “best fit” for every student and their family. We have bilingual staff to serve those with Spanish as their primary language.

For Early Childhood information, call 242-7588.
For ELL information, call 242-8102.