Applications Now Open for the 2026-2027 School Year!
What is a Trailblazer?
Our Mission
Join a school focused on excellence and joy, where students develop the skills and values necessary to lead with ambition and purpose.
The Des Moines Prep Difference
Exceptional Teachers, Real Results
We hired some of the best educators in the country and we are prepared to help every student succeed. You won’t find a better quality education from a public school.
A Safe, Calm Environment
Our small high school size means every student is known and supported. We are also the only school in the city to use Evolv Express weapons detection technology to keep students out of harms way.
Real-World Learning, Real-Life Schedule
Hands-on learning through field studies and internships, plus extended campus hours and early-release Fridays to fit your family’s life.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’d like more details about our programs, the application process, or what makes Des Moines Prep unique our team would be happy to help. Book a time to talk to one of our staff by using the button below.
We Set Students Up for Success
40+
Hours of college exploration
2+
Number of acceptance letters each student will receive from best-fit colleges
40+
Hours of internships and job shadowing
“Students deserve a rigorous and dynamic learning environment that prepares them for an ever-changing world. Our goal is to support agency and innovation so our students develop the skills and confidence to author their own stories. I invite you to join us as we begin an exciting new chapter in Des Moines.”
Matt LakisPrincipal
Get an Inside Look and See the Trailblazer Spirit!
December 12th is GAME DAY and our Trailblazers are ready to face Van Meter!! 📣
Come show your school pride and support our dedicated student-athletes as they continue to build our winning legacy.
🏀 Tip-Off is at 4:00 PM. Let’s go, Des Moines Prep Trailblazers!
December 12th is GAME DAY and our Trailblazers are ready to face Van Meter!! 📣
Come show your school pride and support our dedicated student-athletes as they continue to build our winning legacy.
🏀 Tip-Off is at 4:00 PM. Let’s go, Des Moines Prep Trailblazers!
Making a global impact! Our entire 9th grade class went to “Meals from the Heartland” for their first community service experience.
The students packaged nearly 40,000 shelf-stable meals to feed the hungry and help those in need after natural disasters. This amazing effort resulted in 156 children having meals for a whole year from the food packed today.
This kind of hands-on experience is key to building compassion and leadership at Des Moines Prep. Great work, Trailblazers!
#DesMoinesPrep #CommunityService #MealsFromTheHeartland #Trailblazers
Making a global impact! Our entire 9th grade class went to “Meals from the Heartland” for their first community service experience.
The students packaged nearly 40,000 shelf-stable meals to feed the hungry and help those in need after natural disasters. This amazing effort resulted in 156 children having meals for a whole year from the food packed today.
This kind of hands-on experience is key to building compassion and leadership at Des Moines Prep. Great work, Trailblazers!
#DesMoinesPrep #CommunityService #MealsFromTheHeartland #Trailblazers
🚨Winter Weather Notice❄️
School Delay: Thursday, December 4th
Des Moines Prep will operate on a 2-hour weather delay on Thursday, December 4 due to extreme cold.
School will begin promptly at 10:15 a.m. and dismiss at the regular time of 3:20 p.m.
To support family transportation and work schedules, the building will be open to students beginning at 8:15 a.m. for those who need an earlier drop-off.
Students arriving at 8:15 a.m. should bring quiet, independent work to complete (study-hall style) until the start of the school day.
Please note that teachers will not be available during this early entry period.
🚨Winter Weather Notice❄️
School Delay: Thursday, December 4th
Des Moines Prep will operate on a 2-hour weather delay on Thursday, December 4 due to extreme cold.
School will begin promptly at 10:15 a.m. and dismiss at the regular time of 3:20 p.m.
To support family transportation and work schedules, the building will be open to students beginning at 8:15 a.m. for those who need an earlier drop-off.
Students arriving at 8:15 a.m. should bring quiet, independent work to complete (study-hall style) until the start of the school day.
Please note that teachers will not be available during this early entry period.
Building community starts with joy! Our Trailblazer Spirit Team met for the first time this evening to brainstorm fun ways to celebrate our wonderful students and staff throughout the year.
At Des Moines Prep, we believe joy, creativity, and community are just as important as academics. We’re so excited to see the amazing ideas this team puts into action!
Building community starts with joy! Our Trailblazer Spirit Team met for the first time this evening to brainstorm fun ways to celebrate our wonderful students and staff throughout the year.
At Des Moines Prep, we believe joy, creativity, and community are just as important as academics. We’re so excited to see the amazing ideas this team puts into action!
Clubs are officially in session! 🎉 We had a fantastic turnout at our first Club Fair, proving that our students are eager to explore their passions.
At Des Moines Prep, we don’t choose the programs for students—students choose for themselves. Whether it’s Chess Club, FCA, or something totally new, we’re committed to helping our Trailblazers create what they love.
Clubs are officially in session! 🎉 We had a fantastic turnout at our first Club Fair, proving that our students are eager to explore their passions.
At Des Moines Prep, we don’t choose the programs for students—students choose for themselves. Whether it’s Chess Club, FCA, or something totally new, we’re committed to helping our Trailblazers create what they love.
Making connections that matter! This marked our first “First Friday” mentorship event, where we welcomed 12 business professionals from the Des Moines community to mentor our advisories.
This monthly experience is a key part of our strategy to provide real-world projects and business partnerships. A big thank you to Big Brothers and Big Sisters for their partnership in setting this up for our students.
Making connections that matter! This marked our first “First Friday” mentorship event, where we welcomed 12 business professionals from the Des Moines community to mentor our advisories.
This monthly experience is a key part of our strategy to provide real-world projects and business partnerships. A big thank you to Big Brothers and Big Sisters for their partnership in setting this up for our students.
Learning through experience! Our Trailblazers had an amazing day at the MidAmerican Energy Training Center, diving into careers, learning new technologies, and getting a hands-on look at the future of energy in Iowa.
Learning through experience! Our Trailblazers had an amazing day at the MidAmerican Energy Training Center, diving into careers, learning new technologies, and getting a hands-on look at the future of energy in Iowa.
On November 12th, Des Moines Prep hosted the Iowa Coalition for Public Charter Schools and local business leaders. Principal Matt Lakis and Mike Huguelet delivered key presentations, followed by inspiring remarks from our student ambassadors. Staff-led campus tours gave attendees an inside look at our academic approach, student support systems, and modern learning spaces.
On November 12th, Des Moines Prep hosted the Iowa Coalition for Public Charter Schools and local business leaders. Principal Matt Lakis and Mike Huguelet delivered key presentations, followed by inspiring remarks from our student ambassadors. Staff-led campus tours gave attendees an inside look at our academic approach, student support systems, and modern learning spaces.
Leaders in the making! 🚀 Our Des Moines Prep iJAG students represented us proudly at the iJAG State Leadership Development Conference! Events like this put our students at the forefront of their future, helping them build real-world skills and leadership experience.
Leaders in the making! 🚀 Our Des Moines Prep iJAG students represented us proudly at the iJAG State Leadership Development Conference! Events like this put our students at the forefront of their future, helping them build real-world skills and leadership experience.
When we say we offer real-world experiences, we mean it! Our Pre-Algebra class got a huge lift from our partners at Estes Construction, using heavy machinery to practice geometry and scale factors right outside campus. This hands-on approach is how we prepare students for life, not just for school.
When we say we offer real-world experiences, we mean it! Our Pre-Algebra class got a huge lift from our partners at Estes Construction, using heavy machinery to practice geometry and scale factors right outside campus. This hands-on approach is how we prepare students for life, not just for school.
Excellence starts with preparation! We had a focused professional learning day today with our first Kagan Cooperative Learning training in Des Moines. We are committed to empowering our team with the best tools to achieve academic excellence for every Trailblazer at Des Moines Prep!
📚 @kaganonline
Excellence starts with preparation! We had a focused professional learning day today with our first Kagan Cooperative Learning training in Des Moines. We are committed to empowering our team with the best tools to achieve academic excellence for every Trailblazer at Des Moines Prep!
📚 @kaganonline
We’re giving you a peek into the classrooms of our incredible iJAG teachers, Miss Parrott and Miss Pollitt. 🙌
From building future-ready skills to creating welcoming spaces, these classrooms are where our #Trailblazers grow, learn, and lead. 📚
We’re giving you a peek into the classrooms of our incredible iJAG teachers, Miss Parrott and Miss Pollitt. 🙌
From building future-ready skills to creating welcoming spaces, these classrooms are where our #Trailblazers grow, learn, and lead. 📚
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