Downtown Des moines Education

In Downtown Des Moines (DSM), education is a priority. As a state, Iowa puts an emphasis on elite learning opportunities, and Downtown DSM is no different. From elementary through high school, college and beyond, Downtown DSM helps Iowa be a national leader in education.

Schools in Downtown Des Moines

Downtown DSM is within the Des Moines Public Schools district, which provides a helpful school finder tool and attendance area map to determine which school students would enroll in, based on their home address. Several DMPS schools located within Downtown DSM offer unique learning opportunities. The PreK-5 Walnut Street School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme school. IB focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer in the classroom and in the world outside. Central Campus offers academic and career readiness programs to diverse high school students. Located at Central Campus, the Downtown School offers a project-based, active learning educational approach to kindergarten through fifth grade students.  

Colleges and Universities

Higher education opportunities also abound in Downtown DSM. The following programs and institutions have campuses within Downtown DSM: 

• Des Moines Area Community College – Urban Campus
• Iowa State University MBA Classroom
• Mercy College of Health Sciences
• University of Iowa John Pappajohn Education Center

Drake University, a private, 120-acre campus, is located in the center of the region, just north of Downtown. Drake is recognized as one of the top higher learning institutions in the Midwest. Grand View University is just minutes from Downtown DSM and reports a placement rate of more than 90% of graduates remaining in DSM.

Learn more about all school districts and educational offerings within DSM on the Do Something Greater | Greater DSM USA website.