Lovejoy Elementary School

801 East Kenyon Avenue

School District

Des Moines Independent Community
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Des Moines Independent Community School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 09, 2019

Last few years 2 kids I'd say 0 BUT THIS YEAR 1000% Great!
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2015

This is an awful school. The staff and secretary r rude and hateful. The principle is incompetent. I just hate that my kids go here.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2013

The current principal, Bill Szakacs, is one of the most incompetent administrators you'll ever meet. When I first emailed him regarding a bullying issue with my son, he did not respond. Only when I threatened to take the issue to the school board did he finally follow the DMPS anti-bullying policy by investigating the incident. In the end, yes, the bullying was founded. Another time, when middle schoolers were pushing kids down in the After School program, he refused to come outside to address the issue because he said it was "not his job." He left it to the Metro Kids workers to deal with the issue on their own. The Dean of Students, Nicole Banegas, on the other hand, is incredibly helpful, hard-working, and effective. Students love her. Additionally, there are many other kind, dedicated educators in that building, who try their hardest, despite a student population with numerous behavior and social problems and despite an appalling lack of leadership. The building was recently remodeled, which greatly improved the appearance and atmosphere of the school. It has the potential to be something better, but DMPS needs to invest in stronger leadership and better resources.
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2012

i hate this school , even the teachers take part in tearing down the kids.....my child has become really depressed after attending this school ,if your child is black lovejoy is not the place for child,