David W. Smouse Opportunity School

Iowa, United States

Exterior only

Visible from the street; the inside is private.

Phone: +1 515 242 8210

From OpenStreetMap — confirm before travelling

Find out more

The David W. Smouse Opportunity School, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is a Tudor Revival building designed by the architectural firm Proudfoot, Rawson, Souers & Thomas and completed in 1931. Pioneering in its mission, the school served approximately 165 students with physical disabilities—the first facility in Iowa built specifically to accommodate such students rather than isolate them in institutions. The design reflected thoughtful accommodation throughout: tilted blackboards to reduce glare for the visually impaired, sound-carrying rooms for hearing-impaired students, adapted restrooms, individual classroom temperature controls, and a rooftop playground. Three courtyards with a fountain provided natural light and fresh air, supported by expansive windows. A swimming pool was added in 1955. The Tudor Revival aesthetic was enriched with imported ceramic tiles, wrought iron signs, working fireplaces, and decorative fixtures, enhanced by purchased artworks. The building was designated a National Register of Historic Places site in 2002.