Best public middle schools in the Des Moines metro area

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July 10, 2025
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Best public middle schools in the Des Moines metro area

Stacker compiled a list of the best public middle schools in the Des Moines metro area using data from the Niche. Niche uses five weighted factors for its rankings: academics grade, teachers grade, district overall grade, culture & diversity grade, and parent / student surveys. You can read more about the methodology here.

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#10. Waukee South Middle School

- School grades: 6-7
- Location: Waukee Community School District, IA
- Enrollment: 913 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-

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#9. Timberline School

- School grades: 8-9
- Location: Waukee Community School District, IA
- Enrollment: 918 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-

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#8. Summit Middle School

- School grades: 6-7
- Location: Johnston Community School District, IA
- Enrollment: 1,135 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-

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#7. Van Meter Middle School

- School grades: 6-8
- Location: Van Meter Community School District, IA
- Enrollment: 241 (34:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A

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#6. Northview Middle School

- School grades: 8-9
- Location: Ankeny Community School District, IA
- Enrollment: 1,021 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A

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#5. North Polk Middle School

- School grades: 6-8
- Location: North Polk Community School District, IA
- Enrollment: 493 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A

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#4. Prairie Ridge Middle School

- School grades: 6-7
- Location: Ankeny Community School District, IA
- Enrollment: 1,008 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A

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#3. Waukee Middle School

- School grades: 6-7
- Location: Waukee Community School District, IA
- Enrollment: 701 (12:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A

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#2. Parkview Middle School

- School grades: 6-7
- Location: Ankeny Community School District, IA
- Enrollment: 875 (14:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A

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#1. Southview Middle School

- School grades: 8-9
- Location: Ankeny Community School District, IA
- Enrollment: 881 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A

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