In three locations on the skywalk in downtown Des Moines, the Downtown School utilizes its surrounding neighborhood as an extended classroom. Students take trips to nearby businesses, special events and public facilities. The downtown location is convenient for many parents to visit their child during the day.
Activities are often scheduled over the lunch hour so parents can participate.
Each class has only sixteen students. This allows teachers to design and implement lessons specifically suited to the needs of each child. Social and academic growth is enhanced because each class includes students whose ages span two or more years. Three times a year, the teacher, parents and the student review accomplishments and develop goals for the student. Opening in 1993 with 45 students ages five to eight, the Downtown School currently serves 160 students ages five through eleven.