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!
Des Moines Prep would like to share a few memories from this past school year. 🌟
#airdrop #trend #studentlife #highschool
Des Moines Prep would like to share a few memories from this past school year. 🌟
#airdrop #trend #studentlife #highschool
We heard the advisor economy was booming after this 📈👀
#Trailblazers #desmoineshighschool #trend #teacherappreciation
We heard the advisor economy was booming after this 📈👀
#Trailblazers #desmoineshighschool #trend #teacherappreciation
A little tribute to the city we call home! 🎨🌇
Big thanks to local artist Jimmy Navarro for bringing the vision to life. Safe to say this was the perfect addition to our Student Union. ✨
#DesMoinesPrep #iowahighschool #charterschool #DSM
A little tribute to the city we call home! 🎨🌇
Big thanks to local artist Jimmy Navarro for bringing the vision to life. Safe to say this was the perfect addition to our Student Union. ✨
#DesMoinesPrep #iowahighschool #charterschool #DSM
We headed on over to Principal Park to cheer on the @iowacubs and had an absolute ball.⚾
We’re proud to sponsor Catch on the Field at 5 PM every Saturday home game for the rest of the summer. We’ll catch you on the field! 🐴💙🐻
We headed on over to Principal Park to cheer on the @iowacubs and had an absolute ball.⚾
We’re proud to sponsor Catch on the Field at 5 PM every Saturday home game for the rest of the summer. We’ll catch you on the field! 🐴💙🐻
#summerbreak has us in our feels 😪💔
#mascot #trend #schoolisoutforsummer😎
Some Friday fun featuring Ms. Hassett and the #GenerationGap challenge🍿👀
#highschool #studentlife #trend #desmoinesiowa
Some Friday fun featuring Ms. Hassett and the #GenerationGap challenge🍿👀
#highschool #studentlife #trend #desmoinesiowa
Behind every thriving student is a teacher who believes in them. 💛 We`re proud to announce Austin Hudson as the recipient of the 2026 Opportunity Education Excellence Award!
Behind every thriving student is a teacher who believes in them. 💛 We`re proud to announce Austin Hudson as the recipient of the 2026 Opportunity Education Excellence Award!
We`re celebrating a teacher who makes our community better every day. 🙌 This award honors exceptional dedication to our mission — championing a culture where every student owns their learning and drives their future. Congratulations to our 2026 Opportunity Education Excellence Award winner, Austin! 🏆
#OEExcellenceAward #desmoinesprep
We`re celebrating a teacher who makes our community better every day. 🙌 This award honors exceptional dedication to our mission — championing a culture where every student owns their learning and drives their future. Congratulations to our 2026 Opportunity Education Excellence Award winner, Austin! 🏆
#OEExcellenceAward #desmoinesprep
This is what it`s all about! 💛 The 2026 Opportunity Education Excellence Award goes to one student who didn`t just participate — they led, grew, and inspired their school community. Congratulations to Liliana! You`ve earned this. 👏
This is what it`s all about! 💛 The 2026 Opportunity Education Excellence Award goes to one student who didn`t just participate — they led, grew, and inspired their school community. Congratulations to Liliana! You`ve earned this. 👏
When Mr. Owen catches that last day of school feeling. 🕺☀️
#trend #lastdayofschool #summer #discovery
When Mr. Owen catches that last day of school feeling. 🕺☀️
#trend #lastdayofschool #summer #discovery
The countdown to summer is on, but we’re still making the most of our final few days! 🎢🚌🌳
Wishing all of our Trailblazers luck on finals next week! Leave no crumbs. 😌📝🔥
#Discovery #trend #ate #finals #summerbreak
Wishing all of our Trailblazers luck on finals next week! Leave no crumbs. 😌📝🔥
#Discovery #trend #ate #finals #summerbreak
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