Cowles Elementary School

6401 College Ave

School District

Des Moines Independent Community
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
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 April 06, 2024

My child entered as a 3 year old preschooler. The preschool experience was awesome. Mrs. Fischer embodies Montessori principles and has such a great relationship with her students. The school is highly sought after and based off our preschool experience, I could see why. The school is predominantly white, which was a surprise. I have noticed more diversity this year but based off the review of a former student of color, I’m curious how their experience is going. The transition to lower elementary- has been a very different experience. I can’t say my child is being properly supported and from what I’m hearing from other parents, we are not alone. There are serious concerns around math & reading progress. An adjacent concern is what is happening on an administrative level. There is a lot of teacher turn over, there is not a lot of transparency or direct communication, and there is an overall sense that outside of classroom parent helpers, the administration and some teachers don’t want parents in their classrooms and if they do, it’s very prescriptive on when. These are huge red flags. The number of concerned parents is growing and they are getting more vocal. The school will have a new principal coming in and the hope is that the overall chaotic climate will resolve. In its current state, I wouldn’t recommend the school but I’m hopeful with strong leadership things will change.
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2023

Again, bear with me because there is a point. They do not wish to make people feel as though they must be structured by race or IQ or EQ so as to stop the students from socially interacting in a natural way. I think the critique of the lack of those educators is that these students are unwanted or hinder performance and testing stats. As a parent, I prefer my child to not be unnaturally socialized so as to believe that learning spaces are only open to those who look like them, share a faith, or are 'competent'/ future skilled workers or professionals. They do not talk about unconscious bias at Cowles, but it seems like this is not the group of teachers that would brutally oppose hiring specialized staff. They call it diverse and unstructured, but have metrics. The waiting list says more about Des Moines proper than this school. As someone learning that the diversity of my children makes me a target, it's a shame that the students and families must fight and push for inclusion. So many people are interested in monetizing diversity and deciding who is allowed to discuss it that they forget these battles about equality aren't for children... it is not academia. There should be more resources like guidance counselors, meditative spaces, and anti-bullying policies if they attempt to tackle diversity in an environment hostile to it since I have lived here. Some want to essentially own and control the narrative, often othering opposite racial groups, certain sides of town, the rural types, and perceived outsiders as unhappy, intimidating, or uneducated cretins to just be rude. I would say that Cowles could always regress, but I can appreciate it or teachers who are knowledgeable. I really just wish people would remember that this is taking your kids to school, not making some grandiose social statement. It's really about the youth. Also, they are all born here, many of these students are American citizens... so it should be said that the adults can dislike outsiders; but, these ARE kids from Des Moines. The reason why it is applicable is that nationality should not matter and had to be explained but some of this community has no interest in parents' opinions. It's funny that parents in other places can ban books and masks but women in this community can't talk about our kids. I think this school should be weirder and more radical but some people are going to snob and blame others when things change or fight the changes.
Submitted by other on April 08, 2022

As a former student at Cowles, who is also bi-racial, my experience at Cowles was often filled with microaggressions from both student and staff due to the very white demographic of once more, both student and staff. The administration, in my experience often turned a blind eye to the blatant racism that occurs within the walls of their school, yet they grasp so hard onto the idea that Cowles is an "inclusive" school. To me Cowles epitomizes the idea of a white-close minded, liberal institute, that does not understand the negative impact their actions have on the minorities of their school. This, for me often lead to me finding myself unable to come to the administration for help with varying issues, as in the past I was unable to attain help due to the underlying issues within that very administration (which is reflected upon its students.) If you are the parent of a minority child, I would not recommend sending your child to Cowles. (I would recommend another DMPS school however)Racial Issues I experienced while at Cowles Teachers calling me out during lessons on race ("If MLK had not done what he did NAME would not be able to go to school here")Art teacher called me the name of every other black student in the school, when I had been attending Cowles since I was 5 years old. Teachers taught that MLK "freed the slaves" Guidance councilor made numerous racist comments, as well as teaching students not to fight back when physically abused by other students. Guidance councilor brought in local police officer monthly (gun in hand) without being background checked, to teach students lessons. School administration allowed multiple parents to inappropriately interact with students and teachers. (using duck call on students, told me I looked like multiple black celebrities/athletes, and hung out in the school during school hours almost daily talking to students/staff)
Submitted by parent on March 25, 2022

There are numerous barriers for most DMPS families to get in this school. The best way to in is to enroll your 3 year-old, but you have to be able to afford 3 year-old preschool. There is no bussing, no ELL program, and only 1 special education teacher for the whole school. I'm not sure why it's called a public school when it's only accessible to a certain subset of the public. If your child struggles in this environment they put the blame on your child and not their program or lack of support. The school pays a lot of lip-service to valuing the global community but in actuality, it does very little to recruit and retain individuals beyond their preferred cliente: white, middle-class, neurotypical kids.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2020

This is a school of choice where you must get on a list and be able to transport your child to the school every day. Your experience will depend on your teacher. The school claims to be Montessori, but really is not as it is a public school that still has to meet the requirements of a public school. Recess is less than the the other DSM public schools. They push children with learning differences or behavioral issues out, so their test scores are inflated. The preschool is academic, expecting 3 and 4 year olds to sit still and do work.
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2016

My son has attended Cowles since he was 4 and the teachers and staff care for each child. The instruction is amazing and they actively communicate with parents!
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2014

We are truly blessed to have access to a school like this. I love the individualized hands on style of learning. The teachers are highly educated not only in the area of academics, but also in the way they nurture each child's development. Since each child truly works at their own pace, the sky's the limit when it comes to academic progress. Some of the kids in the junior high are doing College level work, but what's even more impressive is that most of the kids at Cowles love going to school.
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2012

One of the best Schools in Des Moines. We are extremely lucky to have both of our children in this school. The fact that there are 700 kids on the waiting list is testimony to the education that is provided. Des Moines Scoll Board should take note and expand Montessori education in Des Moines
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2012

Cowles has been a wonderful environment for our two children. Many of the teachers are over-the-top committed and involved not just to their own classrooms, but also to building a strong community. Children are engaged in the learning process. The waiting list issue is frustrating, but the one star reviews illustrate how much people want to have their children at Cowles... hopefully Cowles can figure out a more transparent waiting list process.