North High School

North High School

Public High School | Grade 9-12
501 Holcomb Ave,  Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Independent Community School District
3.7
3.5
1,433 Students
C+
Niche Grade

School Details

Student Teacher Ratio
22:1
Average SAT Score
1080
Average ACT Score
20
Math Proficiency
29%
Reading Proficiency
46%
Average GPA
3.3
Graduation Rate
67%

Niche Grade

C-
Academics
B-
Teachers
B
College Prep
B-
Administration
C
Resources/Facilities
B-
Clubs and Activities
B
Sports
B
Food
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
Average GPA
3.3
Reading Proficiency
46%
Math Proficiency
29%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
22:1
Teachers
68
Full Time Teachers
68
Teachers in First or Second Year
18.3%
College Prep
Average SAT
1080
Math
540
Verbal
540
Average ACT
20
Math
19
English
19
Reading
21
Science
20
Number of AP Courses
10
AP Pass Rate
15.9%
AP Math Enrollment
Low
AP Science Enrollment
High
Other AP Enrollment
High
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
Average

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
35.4%
Science
27.2%
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
394:1

Student Diversity

Male
50.3%
Female
49.6%
Hispanic
36.1%
Black
25.7%
White
19.5%
Asian or Pacific Islander
11.4%
Two or more races
6.3%
Native American
<1%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%

School Rankings

#2 Most Diverse Public HS in Iowa
Source: Niche

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
Iowa State University 261 Students
University of Iowa 182 Students
Des Moines Area Community College 147 Students
Drake University 122 Students
University of Northern Iowa 119 Students
Grand View University 102 Students
Simpson College 73 Students
Central College 70 Students
Coe College 30 Students
Mount Mercy Campus of St. Ambrose University 26 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Biology 43 Students
Business 39 Students
Nursing 39 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 32 Students
Psychology 27 Students
Computer Science 26 Students
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 13 Students
Forensic Science and Technology 13 Students
Journalism 13 Students
Entrepreneurship 13 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.7 129 Reviews
3.0 Senior
3/15/2025
Although North High School is lacking in funding they do they're best to try and support the students; most of the teachers at North give their all when teaching students; for activities they're lacking in school clubs (they only have 10) Mostly due to lack of funding; the school sport or " culture" is is extremely boring or for better word lack there of. The may be due to the new generation of students; who are absorbed in they're phones and own conversations.
4.0 Senior
6/28/2023
I would say that the school is good, but like every other school out there there would be things that need to be better, this year I was not in the school a lot, but I know that some bad things were happening, other than that my teachers were great.
5.0 Senior
5/16/2022
I loved that the school is really diverse and most people get along pretty well most of the time. I love that we engage in many activities as a school communities like planting trees! I would like to see the community encourage more engagements with students
GreatSchools Reviews
3.5 6 Reviews
1.0 other
9/1/2024
This school is horrible sent a well mannered teenage girl to school sophomore year by senior year she was a stranger, this school is extremely toxic for students with a good head on their shoulders there’s constant bullying online social and societal norms clearly are not taught. I could be a victim...
4.0 parent
4/6/2021
I am a 2017 graduate. Although the academic education was not great, the students had good heads on their shoulders. I never witnessed bullying or harassment. The student body was like a family, all having dealt with similar traumas, that we understood our peers. i made so many more friends at North...
4.0 other
8/4/2012
I was not a student at NHS .... My husband graduated here. We are attending the 1972 reunion this month.
5.0 student
2/2/2011
I am a alumni to North high who transfered from another Des Moines school and found the staff and the block schedule to be a great learning opportunity. Not only does the staff care about each student, bock scheduling makes time for a more hands on question and answering, help with homework or when...

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North High School is a public school for students in grades 9-12 in Des Moines, IA and is served by the Des Moines Independent Community School District in Iowa. The school has a total enrollment of 1,433 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 22:1. Academic records show that 29% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 46% are proficient in reading. North High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of C+ and a GreatSchools Rating of 2 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.3, the graduation rate is 67%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1080 and an ACT score of 20. The average home value in this area is $174,249. Discover additional schools in the area, like East High School, Virtual Campus, Central Campus - Main, and more. Learn more about what Des Moines has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near North High School.

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