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Applications Now Open for the 2026-2027 School Year!

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What is a Trailblazer?

See For Yourself

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

Real teachers and real results

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.

Students arriving to 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.

Let’s Chat

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

Head shot of principal Matt Lakis.

Get an Inside Look and See the Trailblazer Spirit!

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!

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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

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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. 👏

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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

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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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As our first school year comes to a close, we're reflecting on all that our students have become in just a few short months. 💙

If you have an incoming 8th, 9th, or 10th grader, Des Moines Prep is the place to be. 🐴✨

Learn more about what it means to be a Trailblazer today.
👉 https://www.desmoinesprep.org/

#DesMoinesPrep #Trailblazers #YearOne #IowaStudents

As our first school year comes to a close, we`re reflecting on all that our students have become in just a few short months. 💙

If you have an incoming 8th, 9th, or 10th grader, Des Moines Prep is the place to be. 🐴✨

Learn more about what it means to be a Trailblazer today.
👉 https://www.desmoinesprep.org/

#DesMoinesPrep #Trailblazers #YearOne #IowaStudents

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🔁CURIOSITY FAIR REWIND🔁

Interest-led projects just hit different. Our 9th graders became experts on their topic of choice and shared their expertise at our Curiosity Fair this past week🙌🚀

#futureready #desmoinesprep #desmoines #newschool

🔁CURIOSITY FAIR REWIND🔁

Interest-led projects just hit different. Our 9th graders became experts on their topic of choice and shared their expertise at our Curiosity Fair this past week🙌🚀

#futureready #desmoinesprep #desmoines #newschool

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The assignment → Capture your day at Adventureland.

The result → 🔥🔥🔥.

#pov #fieldtrip #trend #film #desmoines

The assignment → Capture your day at Adventureland.

The result → 🔥🔥🔥.

#pov #fieldtrip #trend #film #desmoines

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Now introducing DMP class of 2030😎🎉#gotrailblazers

Now introducing DMP class of 2030😎🎉#gotrailblazers

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Miss out on an awesome day of learning at DMP? No way.😮‍💨

#desmoines #DesMoinesPrep #iowahighschool #charterschool #studentlife

Miss out on an awesome day of learning at DMP? No way.😮‍💨

#desmoines #DesMoinesPrep #iowahighschool #charterschool #studentlife

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Putting our 8th graders to the test… this time on DMP staff + teacher trivia👀

#trivia #iowahighschool #studentlife #DesMoinesPrep

Putting our 8th graders to the test… this time on DMP staff + teacher trivia👀

#trivia #iowahighschool #studentlife #DesMoinesPrep

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