History

Walnut Street School originally began as the Pomerantz Early Learning Center in the fall of 2003. During that first year of operation, the school served fifty children with programming for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The school added two kindergarten classes in the fall of 2004. Each subsequent year has added classrooms and programs to the school.

Walnut Street School became an authorized International Baccalaureate – Primary Years Programme World School in March 2012. As an IB-PYP World School, we emphasize inquiry instruction, international-mindedness, and taking positive action to improve the world. Our students also learn a second language. We taught Mandarin Chinese for many years, with a change to Spanish in the 2020-21 school year.

Walnut Street School provides a strong social, emotional and academic foundation for students to excel as lifelong learners in a global community through intercultural understanding and respect.

Walnut Street School is a school of choice serving approximately 300 students and their families from throughout Des Moines and the surrounding suburbs. Our school serves students in preschool through 5th grade. Class sizes are small and additional staff are available in each classroom. Students who attend receive daily instruction and support with social skills, as well as their academics.

Walnut Street School offers  after school care for school-age students through a program called Metro Kids’ Care. This is a fee-based program. Walnut Street School serves as a regional site during breaks and summer for school-age children from across the Des Moines Public School District. During the summer months, Metro Kids’ Care offers a wide array of structured daily activities and field experiences out in the community.

Walnut Street School is a strong educational institution with a very bright future! We hope that you decide to be a part of that exciting and rewarding future!