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.
Hillis Elementary School
Public Elementary School
|
Grade K-5
2401 56th St,
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Independent Community School District
School Details
Student Teacher Ratio
13:1
Math Proficiency
47%
Reading Proficiency
47%
Niche Grade
C-
C+
Source: Niche
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
2
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating Details
Test Scores
Math
57.3%
Science
51.2%
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%
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Specialty School Programs
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
This School’s Reviews
GreatSchools Reviews
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...
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.
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...
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'...
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Map
Attendance Zone
About Merle Hay
List Price Range
$181K - $2.8M
Homes For Sale
18
Average Home Value
$221,690
Median Lot Size
8,276 Sq Ft
% Renters
28%
Household Income
$71,788
% of College Grads
33.3%
Median Age
39
Average House Size
1,054 Sq Ft
% Commercial Property
57.0%
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
-
$895 - $995 per month
- Franklin Court Apartments
- 2 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 713 Sq Ft
- 4925 Franklin Ave
- Des Moines, IA
-
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$900 - $925 per month
- Twin Oaks Residences
- 2 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 725 Sq Ft
- 6315-6319 Hickman Rd
- Des Moines, IA
Additional Schools in the Area
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 9th to 12th
- Public
Parks in this Area
Westchester Park
- Grills
- Picnic Area
- Playground
Tower Park
- Basketball
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Murphy Park
Riley Park
- Grills
- Picnic Area
- Playground
Franklin Park
- Picnic Area
- Multi-Purpose Field
Lions Park
- Picnic Area
- Trails
Additional Neighborhoods in this Area
Beaverdale
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Windsor Heights
Unique homes made with brickwork exterior at Windsor Heights
Waveland Park
Community runs deep and residents stay a while in a nature-filled neighborhood
Waveland Woods
A secluded piece of suburbia 5 miles west of downtown Des Moines
Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks
A healthy mix of urban convenience and outdoor escapism
Drake
College town about 3 miles outside of Downtown Des Moines