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!
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😉)
Bonus points if you can guess the classroom👀🕵️
Answers below.👇👇👇
1. Dehmer
2. Rybak
3. Owen
4. Pierce
5. Rohret
6. Crist
7. Owen
8. Pollitt
#ispy #trailblazer #logo #highschool #classroomtour
Bonus points if you can guess the classroom👀🕵️
Answers below.👇👇👇
1. Dehmer
2. Rybak
3. Owen
4. Pierce
5. Rohret
6. Crist
7. Owen
8. Pollitt
#ispy #trailblazer #logo #highschool #classroomtour
Ms. Rohret understood the assignment. 👏🔥
#guessthestudent #trend #newschool #highschool #desmoines #gotrailblazers
Ms. Rohret understood the assignment. 👏🔥
#guessthestudent #trend #newschool #highschool #desmoines #gotrailblazers
Big thanks to @iowaskilledtrades + the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines for an awesome Build Your Future event. 🙌
Students explored careers in skilled trades, health, tech, military service and more!🔧💡
#BuildYourFuture #CareerExploration #FutureReady #buildyourfuture #iowaskilledtrades
Big thanks to @iowaskilledtrades + the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines for an awesome Build Your Future event. 🙌
Students explored careers in skilled trades, health, tech, military service and more!🔧💡
#BuildYourFuture #CareerExploration #FutureReady #buildyourfuture #iowaskilledtrades
Mr. Owen’s 8th grade classes did some sleuthing to see if they could crack the code to a history-inspired puzzle.
What’s in the box you ask? That’s still TBD…
#escaperoom #worldhistory #newschool #classroomactivities
Mr. Owen’s 8th grade classes did some sleuthing to see if they could crack the code to a history-inspired puzzle.
What’s in the box you ask? That’s still TBD…
#escaperoom #worldhistory #newschool #classroomactivities
Just because we don’t have school doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten about you, Trailblazers!😉 Enjoy your break!
#trailblazers #desmoinesprep #highschool #newschool #schoolspirit
Just because we don’t have school doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten about you, Trailblazers!😉 Enjoy your break!
#trailblazers #desmoinesprep #highschool #newschool #schoolspirit
We’ve explored some pretty cool sights for a Monday morning… 🏛️
From walking the halls of the Capitol on our field trip to coming back for iJAG Legislative Day, it’s been an experience we won’t forget anytime soon.
Shoutout @ijagrocks for all the amazing opportunities we’ve been able to explore! 🙌
We’ve explored some pretty cool sights for a Monday morning… 🏛️
From walking the halls of the Capitol on our field trip to coming back for iJAG Legislative Day, it’s been an experience we won’t forget anytime soon.
Shoutout @ijagrocks for all the amazing opportunities we’ve been able to explore! 🙌
It’s Assistant Principal Appreciation week and lucky for us, we’ve got two of the best!
Thank you to Meg Woster, Dean of Academics, & Nate Evans, Dean of Culture, for creating an environment where students and staff thrive.
DMP is a better place because you’re in it! 🫶
It’s Assistant Principal Appreciation week and lucky for us, we’ve got two of the best!
Thank you to Meg Woster, Dean of Academics, & Nate Evans, Dean of Culture, for creating an environment where students and staff thrive.
DMP is a better place because you’re in it! 🫶
Testing to see if this advisory duo is on the same wavelength. 💭 We’ll let you be the judge…
#wavelength #twintelepathy #schooltrend #desmoines #iowahighschool
Testing to see if this advisory duo is on the same wavelength. 💭 We’ll let you be the judge…
#wavelength #twintelepathy #schooltrend #desmoines #iowahighschool
There’s nothing quite like the sound of ping pong balls bouncing on the linoleum floor. 🏓
Racket club meets every Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 PM in the Student Union. Stop by and see if you’ve got what it takes to challenge some of our veteran club members. 🏆🏆🏆
There’s nothing quite like the sound of ping pong balls bouncing on the linoleum floor. 🏓
Racket club meets every Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 PM in the Student Union. Stop by and see if you’ve got what it takes to challenge some of our veteran club members. 🏆🏆🏆
Obsessive imessage 8-ball player? Take it offline and cue up in real time.🎱
Pool Club meets Tuesday afternoons at 3:30 PM and Friday mornings at 7:50 AM in Mrs. Pierce’s room.
Obsessive imessage 8-ball player? Take it offline and cue up in real time.🎱
Pool Club meets Tuesday afternoons at 3:30 PM and Friday mornings at 7:50 AM in Mrs. Pierce’s room.
A little #AprilFools mischief. 🎉 Backpacks are overrated anyways. 🎒
#Anythingbutabackpack #AprilFools #AprilFoolsDay #desmoinesprep
A little #AprilFools mischief. 🎉 Backpacks are overrated anyways. 🎒
#Anythingbutabackpack #AprilFools #AprilFoolsDay #desmoinesprep
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