Harding Middle School
Des Moines, IA 50313
Phone: (515) 242-8445
District: Des Moines Independent Community School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades 6,7,8 • 591 students
Harding Middle School, a public school located in Des Moines, IA, serves grades 6-8 in the Des Moines Independent Community School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 2 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Harding Middle School is a public school located in Des Moines, IA. 591 students attend Harding Middle School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 1/10 | The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Iowa Assessment data from Iowa Department of Education. |
| Student Growth | 2/10 | The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Iowa Department of Education. |
Worrisome patterns of chronic student absenteeism have been identified.
Worrisome patterns of out-of-school suspensions have been identified.
Posted: September 11, 2025
Posted: September 11, 2025
got in trouble because i couldnt charge my watch, then got in trouble for not waiting in line to use the restroom, i didnt because i have a doctors note
Posted: September 11, 2025
Posted: September 11, 2025
Posted: September 11, 2025
Posted: September 11, 2025
Posted: September 11, 2025
Posted: September 11, 2025
Posted: August 12, 2024
Teachers work here but wouldn't even send their children here... faculty acts like children
Posted: August 12, 2024
Posted: August 12, 2024
Posted: August 12, 2024
Posted: August 12, 2024
Posted: August 12, 2024
Posted: August 12, 2024
Posted: August 12, 2024
Posted: August 20, 2022
Harding is a great school , with great teachers and the teachers are very helpful. This school gives great education. I love being a student there . Many teachers there like Mrs Rudd her self are very kind and welcoming.
Posted: August 20, 2022
Posted: August 20, 2022
Posted: August 20, 2022
Posted: August 20, 2022
Posted: August 20, 2022
Posted: August 20, 2022
Posted: August 20, 2022
Posted: August 16, 2017
There is minimal communication (if any) regarding homework assignments.
Posted: August 16, 2017
Posted: August 16, 2017
Overall the school seems to be trying very hard in this area, however, the majority of the students behavior would suggest otherwise.
Posted: August 16, 2017
Posted: August 16, 2017
I have a child that is taking advanced classes and does exceptionally well with academics. She gets support and encouragement from the staff. I also have a child with Autism/special needs. She gets put in a room with 30 other kids all day. I have yet to be successful in getting in touch with her teachers and was told I would have to wait until school starts to address any concerns.
Posted: August 16, 2017
Although I'm not sure what consequences are given for each specific issue, I can say that based on the behavior of many of the students and what I've personally witnessed, they need to have harsher punishments. Whatever they're doing now doesn't appear to be helping.
Posted: August 16, 2017
Overall I would have to say our experience has not been a positive one. While they do have excellent staff members and a great Principal, the horrible behavior of so many of the students far outweighs any of the positives. I am fearful for their physical safety and we are in the process of trying to sell our home for the sole purpose of getting into a better school district.
Posted: May 11, 2015
From our son's first tour of Harding as a fifth grader, my wife and I have been impressed with the diverse student body, vibrant staff, and recently updated facilities. We have been extremely impressed with our son's experience as a member of the Wolf Pack. Students were given the opportunity to join once they agreed to a pledge requiring them to be positive role models and perform some community service. Last year over half of the student body took the pledge and, not coincidentally, Harding led all DMPS middle schools with the lowest number of days lost to suspension. The program also focuses attention away from bullies and empowers students to report such treatment while also using their voice and presence to stand up for themselves and others.
Posted: December 24, 2013
Harding is the best school I have worked at. I have never encountered a staff so committed to the success of its students in all aspects, whether it be academically, emotionally, or socially as a member of the larger community. In particular, through the use of RTI (Response to Intervention), Academic Advisory (large group re-teaching), and support staff, the resources and support for struggling students are enormous. The emphasis of giving back to the community and being a role model through Wolf Pack, 7th Grade Mentors, RUN DSM, etc. The school is also working to become a Pre A.P. school. Although the school still has far to go as a recovering SINA school, the growth it has made in just a few short years has been phenomenal. I am excited to see how the school evolves in the coming years.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Copper Creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Pleasant Hill | IA | 5.2 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Camp Dodge | 6.6 mi. |
Refine Search
National Ad
