Des Moines Area School Districts Guide for Families Planning a Move

What families need to know about school districts when moving to Des Moines with kids.

By Blue Cow Moving & Storage | April 17, 2025

For many families planning a move, school districts are a top priority. In the Des Moines area, you’ll find a variety of excellent options. From fast-growing suburban campuses to tight-knit community districts, this guide covers the top-rated school districts in the Des Moines metro to help you make a confident decision when moving to Des Moines with kids.

Why School Districts Matter When You Move

• Academic quality affects your child’s experience and future opportunities
• District boundaries often influence home values and resale potential
• Commute times and busing depend on zoning lines
• Some neighborhoods feed into multiple districts — even in the same city

Top School Districts in the Des Moines Metro

Ankeny Community School District

Cities served: All of Ankeny

Enrollment: 12,000+

Reputation: Two high schools (Ankeny High and Centennial), strong academics, outstanding extracurriculars

Best for: Families seeking a large, unified district with modern facilities

Waukee Community School District

Cities served: Waukee and parts of Clive, Urbandale, West Des Moines

Enrollment: 13,000+ (fastest-growing in Iowa)

Reputation: Innovative, modern, known for strong AP and STEM programs

Best for: Families who want a forward-thinking district with top-tier resources

West Des Moines Community Schools

Cities served: Most of West Des Moines

Enrollment: Approximately 9,000

Reputation: Wide AP and dual enrollment offerings, strong arts and athletics

Best for: Families who want suburban convenience and diverse academic programs

Urbandale Community School District

Cities served: Most of Urbandale

Enrollment: Approximately 4,300

Reputation: New high school (opened in 2023), personalized learning environment

Best for: Families looking for a smaller district with a community feel

Johnston Community School District

Cities served: All of Johnston and parts of Grimes and northwest Des Moines

Enrollment: Approximately 7,500

Reputation: Strong academic results, newer schools, known for athletics

Best for: Families who value academic excellence and quieter suburbs

Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS)

Cities served: All of Des Moines

Enrollment: 30,000+

Reputation: Wide program options (magnet schools, IB, dual-language), Central Campus for career pathways

Best for: Families seeking flexibility and variety in public education

Before moving to Des Moines with kids, use the school lookup tool or call the district directly to confirm zoning.

Tips for Verifying School Zones

• Use each district’s online boundary map or address tool
• Call the school office to confirm zoning before signing a lease or purchase agreement
• Ask your realtor or mover for help double-checking boundaries

Moving Tips for Families with School-Age Children

1. Time your move before enrollment closes. Summer moves help ensure busing and class registration are in place before school begins.
2. Prepare documentation early. Gather birth certificates, immunization records, and prior school transcripts or report cards.
3. Ask about open enrollment. Some Iowa districts allow transfers with deadlines and limitations. Visit the Iowa Department of Education for details.

Let Blue Cow Help Your Family Move School-Ready

At Blue Cow Moving & Storage, we understand how important it is for families to get settled before the first day of school. That’s why we offer:

• Flexible moving dates during school breaks and holidays
• Short-term storage for staggered moves
• Efficient, friendly crews that make moving day less stressful

School Move Checklist