Welcome to Findley Elementary School, where we are committed to our mission: Building Big Dreamers and High Achievers. We can only accomplish this through the focused work of our dedicated staff, supportive efforts of our families, and strong connections with our community partners.

Findley Elementary is unique in its participation in two key initiatives: “I Have A Dream” Foundation, and the Turnaround Arts program led by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

The Des Moines “I Have a Dream” Foundation has adopted Findley Elementary School as a Dreamer Academy. All students and families are Dreamers and will benefit from our culture of college and career, while gaining access to community resources to help make their educational and personal dreams a reality.

Findley Elementary is also proud to be a Turnaround Arts school; one of the initial eight pilot schools in the country. The Turnaround Arts initiative is designed to narrow the achievement gap and increase student engagement through experiences with music, visual art, and movement. Today, as a sustaining school, Findley demonstrates dramatic results in academic performance, student leadership, and parent involvement.

A necessary component of our students’ success includes our business partner, John Deere Financial, who generously provides resources, programs, and adult volunteers. Findley also connects with the YMCA to offer before and after school childcare at school.

Please contact me if you’d like to learn more about our school and the exciting ways in which we dream big and reach for high levels of achievement.

Sincerely,
Barbara Adams

I joined Findley in June of 2022 as the associate principal. I am truly fortunate to be working in a fantastic school amongst amazing students, staff, families, and community partners.

In 2008 I started teaching in Des Moines Public Schools at Harding Middle School as a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher. In 2010 I transferred to East High School where I taught Family and Consumer Sciences and worked as an instructional coach. I began my work in elementary in 2021 as an associate principal  at Garton Elementary.

I hold degrees from Iowa State University in horticulture, family and consumer sciences education, and school leadership. I continue to learn and grow each day through reading, listening to podcasts, and taking classes in educational leadership, organizations and policy at ISU.

I have two daughters who are in elementary school. My wife also works in Des Moines Public Schools. She works at Jesse Franklin Taylor Preschool.

When I am away from work I enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors in my garden or hiking, and cooking.