2025 Compare Cities Education:
Highlands Ranch, CO vs West Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
- West Des Moines spends 12.6% more per student than Highlands Ranch.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 11.9% lower in West Des Moines than in Highlands Ranch. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- West Des Moines had 2.2% fewer residents who had graduated High School compared to Highlands Ranch
 Highlands Ranch, COWest Des Moines, IAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$14,293$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$10,748  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$7,373$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio17.62  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock7994573
 Students per Counselor279  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock1.3%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.0.7%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock96.6%88.9%
 Some College Educ.17.1%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock9.6%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.64.8%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock13.3%9.3%
 Professional Degree3.5%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock1.6%1.5%
Reviews for Highlands Ranch    20 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

I was born and raised in Highlands Ranch and I know what you’re thinking. “This is a rich girl.” I am not. My parents moved here before it became rich and boujie and the  More

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Worked in the DTC and HR was an easy commute. The people are yuppy- scum-snobs, who do not thank you for holding the door open for their 3+ children, noses held high in  More

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Over 11 years ago

When we moved here from Denver, about 2.5 yrs ago, I did note the affluence, lack of diversity (compared to Denver) and seeming Stepford Wives phenomenon. It is all  More

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Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

I just moved here from out-of-state a few months ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the broad range of activities and amenities available in this medium sized IA  More

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Over 16 years ago

Am contemplating a move to WDM from the East Coast (NYC). Might there be anyone out there that may have experienced this and could offer guidance or comment. Thanks.   More

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We just moved to West Des Moines and we love it here! We moved here three months ago and every weekend we have been able to do something different and fun. There is  More

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