Roosevelt High School

Roosevelt High School

Public High School | Grade 9-12
4419 Center St,  Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Independent Community School District
3.8
3.9
2,064 Students
B
Niche Grade
Theodore Roosevelt High School opened in 1923 and is located just north of I-235 in the Waveland Park neighborhood. The high school is home to more than 2,000 students in grades nine through 12 and 68 full-time staff. Roosevelt High is one of five high schools in the Des Moines Public School District and is known as one of the most diverse high schools in the state of Iowa. It is also notable for its historic architecture, which has seen renovation and technological upgrades in recent years. The Roosevelt Riders belong to the Central Iowa Metro League (CIML) and participate in 35 different sports seasons throughout the year. They have had a history of success, winning state championships in tennis, cross country, swimming and gymnastics, to name a few. The school has a host of other activities available for students, including band, choir, dance and theater, along with 16 other unique clubs. Roosevelt is known as a place of inclusivity, welcoming different backgrounds, lifestyles, beliefs and viewpoints. Students in the district speak more than 30 different languages. Named for US President Theodore Roosevelt, the school is focused on educating tomorrow’s leaders.

School Details

Student Teacher Ratio
30:1
Average SAT Score
1300
Average ACT Score
26
Math Proficiency
53%
Reading Proficiency
69%
Average GPA
3.53
Graduation Rate
83%

Niche Grade

B-
Academics
B
Teachers
B+
College Prep
C
Administration
D-
Resources/Facilities
C
Clubs and Activities
B+
Sports
C
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
3.53
Reading Proficiency
69%
Math Proficiency
53%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
30:1
Teachers
66
Full Time Teachers
66
Teachers in First or Second Year
10%
College Prep
Average SAT
1300
Math
630
Verbal
660
Average ACT
26
Math
24
English
26
Reading
28
Science
26
Number of AP Courses
11
AP Pass Rate
43%
AP Math Enrollment
High
AP Science Enrollment
Average
Other AP Enrollment
Very High
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
High

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
55.9%
Science
43.5%
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
366:1

Student Diversity

Male
50.7%
Female
49.2%
White
46.6%
Black
24.3%
Hispanic
17%
Two or more races
8.3%
Asian or Pacific Islander
3%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%
Native American
<1%
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School Rankings

#3 Most Diverse Public HS in Iowa
#834 Niche Standout HS in US
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.
University of Iowa 479 Students
Iowa State University 452 Students
Drake University 225 Students
University of Northern Iowa 170 Students
Des Moines Area Community College 150 Students
Grand View University 108 Students
Central College 88 Students
Simpson College 76 Students
University of Chicago 58 Students
Washington University in St. Louis 55 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Psychology 115 Students
Business 104 Students
Biology 93 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 65 Students
Political Science and Government 57 Students
Nursing 52 Students
Pre-Law Studies 45 Students
Journalism 44 Students
Computer Science 43 Students
Chemistry 41 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.8 385 Reviews
3.0 Sophomore
4/29/2024
this is my second year at Roosevelt and it is definitely declining in quality. You have to show your school id to get into school, but the administrators don't check half the time.. i wouldn't be surprised if a grown man snuck in. Bathrooms are nasty and smell terrible. Sometimes almost all of them are locked to prevent smoking. Theres also a family of birds living in the commons. Plenty of great teachers though.
4.0 Senior
1/29/2024
I like the students I have met. Many nice and good people. The teachers are very helpful when you ask for it. They all seem to want the students to graduate, and are always happy to help people improve their grade.
4.0 Senior
1/1/2023
I like community of Roosevelt, and how many activities, events, and clubs are provided. I think student involvement could be improved.
GreatSchools Reviews
3.9 16 Reviews
5.0 other
7/12/2024
Roosevelt is an excellent Public high school. One of the best in Des Moines for many generations for our family.
1.0 parent
2/28/2023
I think the results speak for themselves. Roosevelt USED to be a good school, it is now consistently under-performing. Too much focus on woke and unimportant issues and not enough on providing children with a solid education and discipline. I have no idea how the current principal got the position,...
5.0 parent
5/9/2020
Very good. My kids learned a lot and became great respectful leaders
5.0 other
10/17/2017
I would rate my school experience at that school excellent because a lot of the students there cared about each other and in helping each other learn without being mean to each other.

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