School Overview
Merrill Middle School, located in the historic Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa, serves as a vital educational hub for students in grades 6 through 8. As part of the Des Moines Public Schools district, the institution is known for fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that emphasizes academic rigor, personal growth, and community engagement. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that balances core subjects like mathematics, science, and language arts with a variety of exploratory electives, including arts, music, and physical education, designed to help students discover their unique interests and talents.

Beyond the classroom, Merrill Middle School is highly regarded for its commitment to student well-being and social-emotional development. The school prides itself on a supportive faculty and staff who prioritize building strong relationships with students, helping them navigate the transitional middle school years. With a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities—ranging from athletic programs and competitive clubs to artistic performances—Merrill provides students with numerous opportunities to develop leadership skills, cultivate school spirit, and build lasting friendships within the larger Des Moines community.
657
Total Students
39.1
Full-Time Teachers
16.8
Student/Teacher Ratio
43.7%
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics

Student Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for Merrill Middle School
Demographic Student Count
White386
Hispanic87
Black104
Asian22
Two or More55
American Indian1
Pacific Islander2
  • White
    386 (58.8%)
  • Black
    104 (15.8%)
  • Hispanic
    87 (13.2%)
  • Two or More
    55 (8.4%)
  • Asian
    22 (3.3%)
  • Pacific Islander
    2 (0.3%)
  • American Indian
    1 (0.2%)
School Location
School Details
Status: Open
School Level: Middle School
School Type: Regular School
Charter Status:* Public Non-Charter
Virtual Instruction: Supplemental Virtual
Shared Time Status: No
District: Des Moines Independent Comm School District
Phone: (515)242-8448
Grade Range: 6th - 8th
Total Students: 657
Full-Time Teachers (FTE): 39.1
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 16.8
NSLP Participation:1 Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Qualified Free Lunch: 241
Qualified Reduced Lunch: 46
Grades Taught
Grade 6 224
Grade 7 238
Grade 8 195

Grades Taught Data Table

Grades Taught and Student Counts for Merrill Middle School
Grade Student Count
Grade 6224
Grade 7238
Grade 8195
Gender Ratio

Student Gender Ratio Data Table

Student Gender Ratio for Merrill Middle School
Gender Student Count Percentage
Female31948.6%
Male33851.4%
Nearby Middle Schools (Within 10 Miles)