B+
Above Average
82/100

Merrill Middle School

📚 06 – 08 🏫 Middle
📍 5301 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
82
Repit Score
out of 100
651
Students
enrolled
17.4:1
Student:Teacher
ratio
$16K
Per Student
spending

What We Evaluated

👨‍🏫 Class Size 17.4:1 student-teacher ratio
💰 Funding $16,255 per student
🏫 School Type Regular

School Information

Address 5301 Grand Ave
City Des Moines
ZIP Code 50312
District 1908970
NCES School ID 190897000561
Data Year 2024-25

Community Context for 50312

Understanding the community around Merrill Middle School helps evaluate the school environment and neighborhood.

💰 Income & Economy

Median Household Income $77,612
Per Capita Income $63,067
Poverty Rate 5.2%
Households Earning $100K+ 39.5%

🎓 Education Level

Bachelor's Degree or Higher 62.1%
High School or Higher 98.1%

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value $259,500
Median Rent $1,022
Owner-Occupied 65.0%
Renter-Occupied 35.0%
View full data for ZIP 50312 →

Thinking about moving into this school’s area? See what homes and rents actually cost in ZIP 50312 — values, rent, and how it compares to nearby ZIPs. Free, no signup. See 50312 housing costs →

Student Demographics

Enrollment and demographic breakdown for Merrill Middle School.

👫 Gender Distribution

Male 51.3%
Female 48.7%

🌎 Race & Ethnicity

White 59.0%
Black 16.1%
Hispanic/Latino 11.4%
Two or More Races 9.1%
Asian 3.4%
American Indian 0.8%
Pacific Islander 0.3%

📋 Enrollment Summary

Total Enrollment 651
Teachers (FTE) 37.5
Student:Teacher Ratio 17.4:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Repit School Score for Merrill Middle School?
Merrill Middle School has a Repit School Score of 82 out of 100, earning a grade of B+. This score evaluates class size (student-teacher ratio), funding levels, and resources rather than just test scores.
How many students attend Merrill Middle School?
Merrill Middle School has 651 students enrolled for the 2024-25 school year. The student-to-teacher ratio is 17.4:1.
What grades does Merrill Middle School serve?
Merrill Middle School serves grades 06 – 08 and is classified as a Middle. This is a public school.
How much funding does Merrill Middle School receive per student?
Merrill Middle School receives $16,255 in per-pupil spending from its district. This is above the national average.
🏠 Rental Market Around Merrill Middle School in 50312 ▼
Avg Home Value
$298,092
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,196
1-Year Change
+3.4%
% Renters
35.0%

Other Schools in 50312

A

Hanawalt Elementary

K – 05 • Elementary
Repit Score 91/100
A

Greenwood Elementary School

Pre-K – 05 • Elementary
Repit Score 87/100
A

Hubbell Elementary

K – 05 • Elementary
Repit Score 87/100
B+

Callanan Middle School

06 – 08 • Middle
Repit Score 82/100
B+

Ruby Van Meter

K – 12 • K-12
Repit Score 80/100
View all schools and real estate data for 50312 →

About Repit School Scores

Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than actual school quality. Repit takes a different approach.

We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:

  • Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention and better student outcomes.
  • School Funding — Resources available for programs, teachers, and facilities directly affect education quality.
  • School Environment — School size and structure affect available programs and student experience.

Data source: NCES CCD 2024-25 | Last updated: September 2026