Hillis Elementary School

Hillis Elementary School

Public Elementary School | Grade K-5
2401 56th St,  Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Independent Community School District
4.0
292 Students
C
Niche Grade
Hillis Elementary School opened its doors in 1949 as a small wooden building with an annex unit. The school was named after child welfare advocate Cora Bussey Hillis, who wanted to put more emphasis on studying how children learn, grow and develop. Over the decades, Hillis Elementary School grew in size and numbers. In 2007, Hillis Elementary School temporarily relocated while its building was being renovated. In 2008, Hillis Elementary School was able to reopen in a refurbished building with a new library and gymnasium. The school enrolls roughly 300 kindergarten through fifth grade students and employs about 30 full-time teachers and additional faculty members. Art, music, physical education and special education are also available at Hillis Elementary School. To help keep an eye on student progress and success, parents can use online tools like virtual backpack, Infinite Campus and the daily newsletter online through Hillis Elementary School's website. Parents can also easily contact teachers and other faculty members online, over the phone or through email.

School Details

Student Teacher Ratio
13:1
Math Proficiency
47%
Reading Proficiency
47%

Niche Grade

C-
Academics
C+
Teachers
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Reading Proficiency
47%
Math Proficiency
47%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
13:1
Teachers
24
Full Time Teachers
24
Teachers in First or Second Year
7.1%

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Test Scores

Math
57.3%
Science
51.2%
GreatSchools Test Scores Rating
GreatSchools
The Test Score Rating reflects annual state test results for this school compared with scores statewide.

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
313:1

Student Diversity

Male
52.1%
Female
47.9%
White
34.1%
Hispanic
24.6%
Black
18%
Asian or Pacific Islander
13.1%
Two or more races
8.5%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
1.3%
Native American
<1%
Interested in learning more about homes nearby? Reach out to Kris Mehmen, an experienced agent in this school's attendance zone.

School Rankings

#2 Most Diverse Public ES in Iowa
Source: Niche

Specialty School Programs

Free/Reduced Lunch Offered

This School’s Reviews

GreatSchools Reviews
4.0 8 Reviews
5.0 teacher
4/24/2021
I must disagree with other comments about, the principal Mrs. Gelfond. She is a good leader and does her very best to make sure that all students, staff, and parents feel welcomed. In the future, it doesn't hurt to be the first one to say hello.Hillis is a great school because of the people who come...
5.0 parent
3/8/2016
I've had at least one kid at Hillis for more than a decade now. Wonderful teachers, principals, and staff! Each of my children has been very happy and has received a wonderful education there.
5.0 parent
12/2/2015
I disagree completely with the negative comments regarding Mrs. Gelfond. My child is in first grade and has not always enjoyed school. From day one Mrs. Gelfond has been attentive to this and extremely helpful. My son now loves going to school. The changes she has made have been remarkable. She has...
2.0 parent
11/5/2015
Mrs. Gelfond is the coldest principal I've ever met. We've been at school twice walking down the hall next to her, and she didn't have the decency to introduce herself. Kids aren't allowed to speak in the hallways and the teachers she brought in are horrible. No school traditions have continued. We'...

Agents Specializing in Attendance Zone

See All Agents

Map

Attendance Zone

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Additional Schools in the Area

Parks in this Area

Additional Neighborhoods in this Area

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.