Downtown Elementary School in Des Moines, Iowa on DonorsChoose

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About this school

Downtown Elementary School is an urban public school in Des Moines, Iowa that is part of Des Moines Public Schools. It serves 197 students in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 10.4:1. Its teachers have had 22 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Grades K - 5

197 Students

19 Teachers

1800 Grand Ave

Des Moines, IA 50309 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Downtown Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Ms. Bartlett

Mrs. Jones

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Downtown Elementary School Demographics

24%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

21%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Downtown Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.