Community Reference Guide
West Des Moines
What started as an active railroad community in the 1850s has emerged to become one of the fastest growing suburbs in Iowa. Here citizens enjoy Premier Living in housing, business, opportunities, leisure activities and education.
Over 100 years ago, the spirited community of Valley Junction was incorporated. The year 1893 marked the beginning of the Rock Island railroad center which would draw people to the charming and bustling community, growing up alongside the railroad tracks.
These early days in Valley Junction defined the essence of the citizens, committed then, as now, to excellence and growth. In 1938, Valley Junction became West Des Moines-the community to watch!
POPULATION 46,403
CULTURAL & RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
- 17 Public Golf Courses
- 75 Public Parks
- 87 Public Tennis Courts
- 16 Public Swimming Pools
- 10 Country Clubs
- Public access to lakes/river
(swimming, water skiing, fishing, and boating)
ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS
- Valley Junction boasts six square blocks of antique and specialty shops, art and craft galleries, fashion boutiques, hair salons, service businesses and restaurants.
- Valley Junction Events include Valley Art Festival, The Art Market, Spring Antique Jamboree, Midnight Magic VJ Bike Ride and Fall Antique Show.
EDUCATION
The school district serves more than 8,500 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Nine elementary schools, one early childhood center and two junior highs (grades 7-8) serve young learners. A ninth grade school, three-year high school and an alternative education center serve all high school students.
West Des Moines Community Schools
3550 G M Mills Civic Parkway
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
(515) 226-2700
Clegg Park Elem. | 1020 8th Street | 266-2790 |
Clive Elem. | 1600 73rd Street | 226-2795 |
Crestview Elem. | 8355 Franklin Ave. | 226-2805 |
Crossroads Park Elem. | 1050 50th street | 226-2800 |
Fairmeadows Elem. | 807 23rd Street | 226-2808 |
Jordan Creek Elem. | 4105 Fuller Road | 226-2767 |
Phenix Elem.Early Child Cntr. | 415 7th Street | 226-2818 |
Rex Mathes Elem. | 1401 Vine Street | 226-2820 |
Western Hill Elem. | 600 39th Street | 226-2780 |
Westridge Elem. | 5500 E P True Pkwy. | 226-2694 |
Indian Hills Jr High School | 9401 Indian Hills Dr. | 226-2811 |
Stillwell Jr High School | 1601 Vine Street | 226-2770 |
Valley Southwoods Fresh. HS | 625 S 35th Street | 267-6955 |
Valley High School | 1140 35th Street | 226-2600 |
Des Moines Catholic Schools
16 Grand Avenue
West Des Moines Iowa 50309
(515) 223-1284
Sacred Heart School | 1601 Grand | 225-3000 |
Dowling High School | 1400 Buffalo Road | 225-3000 |
St Pius X Elem. | 3663 66th St, Urbandale | 276-1061 |
DAYCARE
For comprehensive dependent care information contact:
Child Care Resource and Referral of Central Iowa
1200 University
City View Plaza, Suite H
Des Moines, Iowa, 50314
Telephone: 800/722-7619.