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Public School0
Des Moines Independent Community School District

Roosevelt High School

#6 in Best Public High Schools in Des Moines Area
  • A-
    Overall Grade
  • Public
  • 9-12
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 384 reviews
    A-
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      B+
    2. Diversity
      A+
    3. Teachers
      C+
    4. College Prep
      A
    5. Clubs & Activities
      B
    6. Health & Safety
      B+
    7. Administration
      B-
    8. Sports
      A-
    9. Food
      B-
    10. Resources & Facilities
      C
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    Roosevelt High School is a highly rated, public school located in Des Moines, IA. It has 1,925 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 23 to 1. According to state test scores, 76% of students are at least proficient in math and 80% in reading.
    Address
    4419 Center St
    Des Moines, IA 50312
    Telephone
    (515) 242-7272
    Website
    dmschools.org
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    Roosevelt High School Rankings

    Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

    Academics

    Percent Proficient - Reading
    80%
    Percent Proficient - Math
    76%
    Average Graduation Rate
    91%
    Average SAT
    1300
    46 responses
    Average ACT
    27
    289 responses
    AP Enrollment
    33%
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    Living in the Area
    A
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Cost of Living
      B+
    2. Good for Families
      A-
    3. Housing
      B-
    Area Feel
    Urban
    Median Household Income
    $41,297
    National
    $55,322
    Median Rent
    $543
    National
    $949
    Median Home Value
    $115,006
    National
    $184,700

    Culture & Safety

    Health & Safety
    B+
    Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents.
    Poll
    89%
    of students agree that they feel safe at their school.28 responses
    Poll
    86%
    of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.28 responses
    Poll
    What are your favorite school events or traditions?
    Based on 74 responses
    Report
    • Senior party at the school after graduation
      26%
    • Football/Basketball games
      18%
    • Pep Assembly
      14%
    • School Plays
      11%
    • Sharks Pageant
      11%
    • Musicals
      8%
    • I don't like traditions
      4%

    Students

    Diversity
    A+
    Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
    Students
    1,925
    Free or Reduced Lunch
    49%
    74%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.35 responses
    89%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.35 responses
    77%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.35 responses

    Teachers

    Student-Teacher Ratio
    23:1
    National
    17:1
    Average Teacher Salary
    $58,186
    Teachers in First/Second Year
    16.1%
    75%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.48 responses
    88%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.48 responses
    81%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.48 responses

    Clubs & Activities

    Clubs & Activities
    B
    Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
    Girls Athletic Participation
    Average
    Boys Athletic Participation
    Average
    Expenses Per Student
    $13,757/ year
    National
    $12,239
    87%
    of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.52 responses
    38%
    of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.52 responses
    81%
    of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.52 responses
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    Roosevelt High School Reviews

    384 reviews
    All Categories
    It is a very diverse place with lots of personality! The teachers are very passionate and offer more of an experience than just academics. If there was something I would like to see changed, it would be the lack of college-ready classes. The AP classes do prepare you, but I do not feel it is as informative about what you'll see in college. It is more like college-type work, less discussing what you may see when you get to college.
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    Roosevelt High School is a wonderful high school lead by extraordinary staff. Throughout high school, I became involved with the theatre club and vocal music courses and I believe it made my high school experience much better. Throughout high school, I struggled with getting assignments in and my grades had reflected that. However, the teachers were very helpful and the counselors and staff encouraged me to finish each year strong. I hoped for more college readiness/life skills courses that were unfortunately not available, but I was able to tell the faculty about my wishes and they are implementing more courses oriented to life after high school in the near future. Overall, this school allowed me to blossom as an individual and find out more about myself as an individual. A wonderful high school experience I would recommend to anyone!
    When I walk into school in the morning, there are lots of students who are ready to start their day. The staff work incredibly hard to make education interesting and inclusive for all students who attend. There is immense pride of how diverse our high school is. The principal, Kevin Biggs, has been on the news several times for his positive speeches through the intercom and phone calls to parents assuring families and students that whatever may be happening in the world with politics or hate that we will always be welcome within the walls of Roosevelt. Go Roughriders!