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!
‼️GAME DAY ALERT‼️
Wishing our girls and boys soccer teams all the luck as they take on Ballard High at Cownie Soccer Park tonight.⚽️💪
#highschoolsoccer #gameday #transition #suitup #gotrailblazers
‼️GAME DAY ALERT‼️
Wishing our girls and boys soccer teams all the luck as they take on Ballard High at Cownie Soccer Park tonight.⚽️💪
#highschoolsoccer #gameday #transition #suitup #gotrailblazers
A new Trailblazer just entered the chat👀🐴
But what should we call them?
Drop your name ideas in the comments.⬇️⬇️
#DesMoinesPrep #Trailblazers #MascotReveal #NameOurMascot #SchoolSpirit
A new Trailblazer just entered the chat👀🐴
But what should we call them?
Drop your name ideas in the comments.⬇️⬇️
#DesMoinesPrep #Trailblazers #MascotReveal #NameOurMascot #SchoolSpirit
Trailblazing at its finest.
Today, we hosted a historic moment for charter schools across Iowa.
We’re excited to celebrate the expansion of educational opportunities for our Trailblazers and students statewide. 💫
Trailblazing at its finest.
Today, we hosted a historic moment for charter schools across Iowa.
We’re excited to celebrate the expansion of educational opportunities for our Trailblazers and students statewide. 💫
We have officially declared today as National Jenna Seley Appreciation Day!💙🎉
Administrator, nurse, event planner, and all-around superhero, our Secretary of Student Life, Mrs. Seley, wears more hats than we can count, exactly why she deserves a holiday all of her own. 🙌
Thank you for keeping our school running and for always welcoming everyone with kindness and care. Des Moines Prep is better because of you!✨
We have officially declared today as National Jenna Seley Appreciation Day!💙🎉
Administrator, nurse, event planner, and all-around superhero, our Secretary of Student Life, Mrs. Seley, wears more hats than we can count, exactly why she deserves a holiday all of her own. 🙌
Thank you for keeping our school running and for always welcoming everyone with kindness and care. Des Moines Prep is better because of you!✨
School is a pretty great place to be when you’re surrounded by such incredible teachers and staff.
This week (and every week), we’re thankful for the people who make our community so welcoming. 💙
#TeacherAppreciationWeek #DesMoinesPrep
School is a pretty great place to be when you’re surrounded by such incredible teachers and staff.
This week (and every week), we’re thankful for the people who make our community so welcoming. 💙
#TeacherAppreciationWeek #DesMoinesPrep
Trailblazers aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. 🌱
We spent the day at Brenton Slough making an impact one shovel at a time.
Thanks for having us, @polkcountyconservation
#DesMoinesPrep #Trailblazers #CommunityImpact #TreePlanting #HandsOnLearning
Trailblazers aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. 🌱
We spent the day at Brenton Slough making an impact one shovel at a time.
Thanks for having us, @polkcountyconservation
#DesMoinesPrep #Trailblazers #CommunityImpact #TreePlanting #HandsOnLearning
We might have to make Community Night an every night thing. 🎠
Thank you to all of our current and prospective families who joined us at Heritage Carousel.
We are SO lucky to have the Trailblazer community that we do. 💙
#DesMoinesPrep #Trailblazers #CommunityNight #DesMoinesFamilies #SchoolCommunity EastVillageDSM
We might have to make Community Night an every night thing. 🎠
Thank you to all of our current and prospective families who joined us at Heritage Carousel.
We are SO lucky to have the Trailblazer community that we do. 💙
#DesMoinesPrep #Trailblazers #CommunityNight #DesMoinesFamilies #SchoolCommunity EastVillageDSM
This week’s roundup of cool opportunities:
👉Girls’ soccer took a trip to Ames to watch ISU compete (and hang out with Cy).
👉Students interested in military service visited Camp Dodge to get a glimpse into National Guard training.
#desmoinesprep #newschool #bigopportunities #futurefocus
This week’s roundup of cool opportunities:
👉Girls’ soccer took a trip to Ames to watch ISU compete (and hang out with Cy).
👉Students interested in military service visited Camp Dodge to get a glimpse into National Guard training.
#desmoinesprep #newschool #bigopportunities #futurefocus
Do our 8th graders know the DMP teachers well enough to guess the imposter? Follow along to find out. 🕵️♀️
#imposter #highschool #desmoines #desmoinesprep
Do our 8th graders know the DMP teachers well enough to guess the imposter? Follow along to find out. 🕵️♀️
#imposter #highschool #desmoines #desmoinesprep
Join Us for Family Fun Night at Heritage Carousel!
What to Expect:
🎠 Classic carousel rides for all ages
🍕 Delicious food and refreshments
🎨 Face painting for the kids
🎯 Fun games and activities
🤝 Chance to connect with our amazing school community
All families welcome – current and prospective! RSVP today👇
https://www.desmoinesprep.org/…/take-a-spin-with-us…/
Join Us for Family Fun Night at Heritage Carousel!
What to Expect:
🎠 Classic carousel rides for all ages
🍕 Delicious food and refreshments
🎨 Face painting for the kids
🎯 Fun games and activities
🤝 Chance to connect with our amazing school community
All families welcome – current and prospective! RSVP today👇
https://www.desmoinesprep.org/…/take-a-spin-with-us…/
Soccer season is now in session. ⚽
#trailblazerpride #desmoinesprep #soccerseason
The latest & greatest at DMP… (P.S. we’re now enrolling incoming 8th, 9th and 10th graders for the 26-27 school year😉)
The latest & greatest at DMP… (P.S. we’re now enrolling incoming 8th, 9th and 10th graders for the 26-27 school year😉)
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