Merrill Middle School
657 Students
Middle School 6th - 8th
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.
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
| Demographic | Student Count |
|---|---|
| White | 386 |
| Hispanic | 87 |
| Black | 104 |
| Asian | 22 |
| Two or More | 55 |
| American Indian | 1 |
| Pacific Islander | 2 |
-
White386 (58.8%)
-
Black104 (15.8%)
-
Hispanic87 (13.2%)
-
Two or More55 (8.4%)
-
Asian22 (3.3%)
-
Pacific Islander2 (0.3%)
-
American Indian1 (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
| Grade | Student Count |
|---|---|
| Grade 6 | 224 |
| Grade 7 | 238 |
| Grade 8 | 195 |
Gender Ratio
Student Gender Ratio Data Table
| Gender | Student Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Female | 319 | 48.6% |
| Male | 338 | 51.4% |
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