Phillips Elementary School was first built in 1914 and is named after Judge William Phillips, who was a businessman and lawyer. He was also a proud member of the Des Moines Coal Company, established in 1865.
Additional school buildings were added in 1916, 1925 and 1951. The new gymnasium was added in 1975, and the current fifth-grade addition of the building was completed in the 2017-2018 school year.
Phillips Elementary School usually has around 300 students and 30 full-time teachers and additional staff. Kindergarten through fifth grade is taught at Phillips Elementary School, where special education and English Language Learner (ELL) programs are also offered.
Phillips Elementary School provides extended core classes, which include orchestra, technology/media, band, music, physical education and art. Extracurricular activities at Phillips Elementary School include The Student Leadership Team, chorus and Girl Scouts.
School supplies, student grades/reports and recommended school supplies can all be accessed on the school’s website.
Phillips Elementary
Public Elementary School
|
Grade K-5
1701 Lay St,
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Independent Community School District
School Details
Student Teacher Ratio
11:1
Math Proficiency
52%
Reading Proficiency
57%
Annual Tuition
$0
Niche Grade
C-
B-
Source: Niche
Niche Grade Details
Academics
Reading Proficiency
57%
Math Proficiency
52%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
11:1
Teachers
24
Full Time Teachers
24
Teachers in First or Second Year
3.7%
GreatSchools Rating
2
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating Details
Test Scores
Math
53.8%
Science
31.1%
Teachers and Staff
Students Per Counselor
326:1
Student Diversity
Female
53.5%
Male
46.5%
White
55%
Hispanic
28.7%
Black
10.1%
Two or more races
4.3%
Asian or Pacific Islander
1.2%
Native American
<1%
Specialty School Programs
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
This School’s Reviews
GreatSchools Reviews
5/23/2025
I have had 2 students go through this school and I would not choose any other! The staff is outstanding and the way they handle any issue that comes up is amazing. I cannot praise them enough!
4/12/2014
Phillips is one of the best schools in Des Moines. I am a teacher and have taught at one of the middle schools where Phillips students continue their education and we could tell which students went to Phillips by their academics and behaviors. My children have both had excellent teachers at every gr...
6/11/2013
my school is phillips this is my last year at phillips and i wish i could stay forever. The teachers are the best and the princeble is aswome too. i love this school and i hope every one else at phillips loves it too. its one of the best school i have ever been too. the LIBRARINE is the best out of...
4/16/2012
I think phillips is an OUTSTANDING school, and so does my son. The teachers are very good at what the do, and they care about the kids.
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Map
Attendance Zone
List Price Range
$95K - $270K
Homes For Sale
19
Average Home Value
$195,247
Median Lot Size
7,840 Sq Ft
% Renters
28%
Average Household Income
$74,600
% of College Grads
18.8%
Median Age
41
Average House Size
1,008 Sq Ft
% Commercial Property
61.2%
Homes for Sale
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- Trails
- Playground
Easttown Park
- Baseball/Softball
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Pocket Park
- Playground
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Phillips Elementary is a public school for students in grades K-5 in Des Moines, IA and is served by the Des Moines Independent Community School District in Iowa. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 263 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 11:1. Academic records show that 52% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 57% are proficient in reading. Phillips Elementary has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of C and a GreatSchools Rating of 4 out of 10. The average home value in this area is $195,247. Discover additional schools in the area, like East High School, North High School, Virtual Campus, and more. Learn more about what Des Moines has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Phillips Elementary.