Enrollment Now Open for 8th and 9th Grade!
Our Mission
Join a school focused on excellence and joy, where students develop the skills and values necessary to lead with ambition and purpose.
Des Moines Prep Programs
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 chat 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
Des Moines Prep News
👋 Meet Allison, Special Education Teacher at Des Moines Prep!
🎓 Allison has spent the last 10 years serving students in the Woodward-Granger School District. She taught for 8 years at Grandwood Education Center and the past 2 years at the high school level. With a Master’s in Special Education and endorsements in Instructional Strategist I and II (BD/LD/ID), she brings deep expertise and compassion to her work.
❤️ Allison is committed to creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student can thrive. Her approach centers on connection, advocacy, and believing in each learner’s potential.
📖 “Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists they become the best they can possibly be.” — Rita Pierson
🌆 Her favorite thing about Des Moines? The perfect mix of access and escape—cultural events like the Farmer’s Market and Art Festival, plus nearby nature to recharge and reflect.
👋 Meet Allison, Special Education Teacher at Des Moines Prep!
🎓 Allison has spent the last 10 years serving students in the Woodward-Granger School District. She taught for 8 years at Grandwood Education Center and the past 2 years at the high school level. With a Master’s in Special Education and endorsements in Instructional Strategist I and II (BD/LD/ID), she brings deep expertise and compassion to her work.
❤️ Allison is committed to creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student can thrive. Her approach centers on connection, advocacy, and believing in each learner’s potential.
📖 “Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists they become the best they can possibly be.” — Rita Pierson
🌆 Her favorite thing about Des Moines? The perfect mix of access and escape—cultural events like the Farmer’s Market and Art Festival, plus nearby nature to recharge and reflect.
✨ Curious about Des Moines Prep?
Join us at an upcoming event to meet Principal Matt Lakis, explore our curriculum, and learn how to enroll!
Ask questions, meet our team, and discover what makes our school different at one of these upcoming events:
📍 Virtual Event with iJAG – May 6, 7–8 p.m. on Zoom
Principal Matt Lakis and Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold, President and CEO of iJAG, share our plans for a comprehensive college and career prep curriculum for every Des Moines Prep student.
🔗 RSVP Here: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/events/open-house-5-06-2025/
📍 Valley Junction Farmers Market – May 15, June 26, July 24 from 4–8 p.m.
🔗 Event Details: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/events-calendar/
✨ Curious about Des Moines Prep?
Join us at an upcoming event to meet Principal Matt Lakis, explore our curriculum, and learn how to enroll!
Ask questions, meet our team, and discover what makes our school different at one of these upcoming events:
📍 Virtual Event with iJAG – May 6, 7–8 p.m. on Zoom
Principal Matt Lakis and Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold, President and CEO of iJAG, share our plans for a comprehensive college and career prep curriculum for every Des Moines Prep student.
🔗 RSVP Here: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/events/open-house-5-06-2025/
📍 Valley Junction Farmers Market – May 15, June 26, July 24 from 4–8 p.m.
🔗 Event Details: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/events-calendar/
Des Moines Prep x iJAG (@ijagrocks) = a future full of purpose.
From Day 1, we build a roadmap for success with college planning, real-world experiences, and leadership development.
“I am excited to share how we`re leveraging the strengths of both organizations to create a groundbreaking approach to postsecondary readiness in Des Moines by empowering students through career exploration, skill development, leadership, and work-based learning.” – Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold
This isn’t just high school. It’s your student’s launchpad. Join us on May 6th, virtually, to learn more about this partnership.
Read more about our iJag partnership here: https://www.businessrecord.com/des-moines-prep-ijag-announce-partnership/
RSVP for our May 6th Virtual event to meet Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold here: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/events/open-house-5-06-2025/
Des Moines Prep x iJAG (@ijagrocks) = a future full of purpose.
From Day 1, we build a roadmap for success with college planning, real-world experiences, and leadership development.
“I am excited to share how we`re leveraging the strengths of both organizations to create a groundbreaking approach to postsecondary readiness in Des Moines by empowering students through career exploration, skill development, leadership, and work-based learning.” – Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold
This isn’t just high school. It’s your student’s launchpad. Join us on May 6th, virtually, to learn more about this partnership.
Read more about our iJag partnership here: https://www.businessrecord.com/des-moines-prep-ijag-announce-partnership/
RSVP for our May 6th Virtual event to meet Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold here: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/events/open-house-5-06-2025/
Des Moines Prep’s Pathways program prepares students for life beyond high school.
1️⃣ Career Exploration — Students explore career paths through workplace visits, internships, and job shadowing.
2️⃣ Foundations of Professionalism — We teach professional communication skills, including active listening, and written and verbal communication.
3️⃣ Personal Finance — Students learn essential money management skills, from understanding financial terms to creating budgets and managing a checking account.
This isn’t just school.
It’s preparation for life.
🔗 Now enrolling tuition-free: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
Des Moines Prep’s Pathways program prepares students for life beyond high school.
1️⃣ Career Exploration — Students explore career paths through workplace visits, internships, and job shadowing.
2️⃣ Foundations of Professionalism — We teach professional communication skills, including active listening, and written and verbal communication.
3️⃣ Personal Finance — Students learn essential money management skills, from understanding financial terms to creating budgets and managing a checking account.
This isn’t just school.
It’s preparation for life.
🔗 Now enrolling tuition-free: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
👋 Meet Austin, Founding Math Teacher at Des Moines Prep!
🎓 Austin’s teaching journey began in the mountains of Yamaranguila, Honduras, where he spent his first three years inspiring students and embracing the beauty of cross-cultural learning (and mopeds!). With six years of classroom experience and a background as a paraprofessional, team leader, and coach, he brings a well-rounded and adventurous perspective to our founding team.
❤️ He’s passionate about empowering students and sparking curiosity both in and beyond the classroom.
📖 Favorite Quote: “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” — Plutarch
🏙️ Favorite thing about Des Moines? The historic buildings and the people. Austin believes that understanding the story of a place and the people in it makes all the difference.
👋 Meet Austin, Founding Math Teacher at Des Moines Prep!
🎓 Austin’s teaching journey began in the mountains of Yamaranguila, Honduras, where he spent his first three years inspiring students and embracing the beauty of cross-cultural learning (and mopeds!). With six years of classroom experience and a background as a paraprofessional, team leader, and coach, he brings a well-rounded and adventurous perspective to our founding team.
❤️ He’s passionate about empowering students and sparking curiosity both in and beyond the classroom.
📖 Favorite Quote: “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” — Plutarch
🏙️ Favorite thing about Des Moines? The historic buildings and the people. Austin believes that understanding the story of a place and the people in it makes all the difference.
At Des Moines Prep, students don’t just pass classes…they own their learning.
We challenge students to think critically, collaborate, and grow through:
✅ Advanced coursework
✅ Real-world projects
✅ Business Partnerships
✅ College & career prep
✅ Continuous feedback from teachers
This isn’t just school.
It’s preparation for life.
🔗 Now enrolling tuition-free: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
At Des Moines Prep, students don’t just pass classes…they own their learning.
We challenge students to think critically, collaborate, and grow through:
✅ Advanced coursework
✅ Real-world projects
✅ Business Partnerships
✅ College & career prep
✅ Continuous feedback from teachers
This isn’t just school.
It’s preparation for life.
🔗 Now enrolling tuition-free: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
👋 Meet Megan, Dean of Academics at Des Moines Prep!
🎓 Experience
Megan brings 13 years of combined teaching and administrative experience in secondary education. She has taught High School English, Written Expression, Executive Functioning, and Career and College Readiness at a private high school in Arizona. For four of those years, she led as Director of Transition, guiding a team dedicated to supporting students in preparing for college and the workforce. Most recently, Megan has served as a high school administrator, currently holding the role of Head of High School. In this position, she has worked closely with educators to ensure strong instruction and student-centered learning.
❤️ About
Megan holds degrees in Psychology from the University of Iowa and Education from Upper Iowa University. Her leadership style is grounded in collaboration, empathy, and a deep belief in the power of quality instruction to transform student outcomes. She is also a Step Up to Writing Trainer and a Kagan Cooperative Learning Coach. These tools help her support teachers in creating dynamic, inclusive classrooms that elevate student voice and engagement.
📖 Book/Quote
“Teachers are the guardians of spaces that allow students to breathe and be curious and explore the world and be who they are without suffocation. Students deserve one place where they can rumble with vulnerability and their hearts can exhale.”
Brené Brown
🌆 Favorite thing about Des Moines?
Joining the founding team at Des Moines Prep and returning to her home state of Iowa feels like a dream come true for Megan. She’s eager to build meaningful relationships with students and staff while helping shape a school that prioritizes innovation, excellence, and joy in learning.
👋 Meet Megan, Dean of Academics at Des Moines Prep!
🎓 Experience
Megan brings 13 years of combined teaching and administrative experience in secondary education. She has taught High School English, Written Expression, Executive Functioning, and Career and College Readiness at a private high school in Arizona. For four of those years, she led as Director of Transition, guiding a team dedicated to supporting students in preparing for college and the workforce. Most recently, Megan has served as a high school administrator, currently holding the role of Head of High School. In this position, she has worked closely with educators to ensure strong instruction and student-centered learning.
❤️ About
Megan holds degrees in Psychology from the University of Iowa and Education from Upper Iowa University. Her leadership style is grounded in collaboration, empathy, and a deep belief in the power of quality instruction to transform student outcomes. She is also a Step Up to Writing Trainer and a Kagan Cooperative Learning Coach. These tools help her support teachers in creating dynamic, inclusive classrooms that elevate student voice and engagement.
📖 Book/Quote
“Teachers are the guardians of spaces that allow students to breathe and be curious and explore the world and be who they are without suffocation. Students deserve one place where they can rumble with vulnerability and their hearts can exhale.”
Brené Brown
🌆 Favorite thing about Des Moines?
Joining the founding team at Des Moines Prep and returning to her home state of Iowa feels like a dream come true for Megan. She’s eager to build meaningful relationships with students and staff while helping shape a school that prioritizes innovation, excellence, and joy in learning.
🏀 Join the Des Moines Prep Basketball Team! 🏆
Dare to lead. Help us build a championship basketball team from the ground up!
✅ Shape our basketball program from day one
✅ Compete in local games and state-wide tournaments
✅ Be part of a team and build lasting friendships
✅ Develop your skills and achieve personal growth
Ready to make history? Be part of our founding team—apply today!
🔗 https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
🏀 Join the Des Moines Prep Basketball Team! 🏆
Dare to lead. Help us build a championship basketball team from the ground up!
✅ Shape our basketball program from day one
✅ Compete in local games and state-wide tournaments
✅ Be part of a team and build lasting friendships
✅ Develop your skills and achieve personal growth
Ready to make history? Be part of our founding team—apply today!
🔗 https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
Did you miss our “Meet the Team” event? Watch the recording of our fun and informative event to see Principal Matt Lakis interview some of the new members of the Des Moines Prep team:
Kate Leo, Founding Language Arts Teacher and Reading Interventionist
Nate Evans, Dean of Culture
Austin Hudson, Founding Math Teacher
You’ll also get a chance to meet Megan Woster, Dean of Academics.
Watch now via the link in our bio.
Did you miss our “Meet the Team” event? Watch the recording of our fun and informative event to see Principal Matt Lakis interview some of the new members of the Des Moines Prep team:
Kate Leo, Founding Language Arts Teacher and Reading Interventionist
Nate Evans, Dean of Culture
Austin Hudson, Founding Math Teacher
You’ll also get a chance to meet Megan Woster, Dean of Academics.
Watch now via the link in our bio.
👋 Meet Kate, Founding Language Arts Teacher and Reading Interventionist at Des Moines Prep!
📚 With 29 years of experience, Kate has taught in both public and private schools, including Johnston Community School District and Dowling Catholic High School. She served as a rhetoric instructor at the University of Iowa while earning her master’s degree.
❤️ For the past 15 years, Kate has specialized in supporting striving readers, working to ensure every student is empowered to choose their own path.
📖 Favorite Quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon with which you can change the world.” — Nelson Mandela
Kate brings deep expertise, high expectations, and a strong belief in equity to our academic program. She’s excited to help build a school where excellence is the norm and joy is everywhere. 🔥📘
👋 Meet Kate, Founding Language Arts Teacher and Reading Interventionist at Des Moines Prep!
📚 With 29 years of experience, Kate has taught in both public and private schools, including Johnston Community School District and Dowling Catholic High School. She served as a rhetoric instructor at the University of Iowa while earning her master’s degree.
❤️ For the past 15 years, Kate has specialized in supporting striving readers, working to ensure every student is empowered to choose their own path.
📖 Favorite Quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon with which you can change the world.” — Nelson Mandela
Kate brings deep expertise, high expectations, and a strong belief in equity to our academic program. She’s excited to help build a school where excellence is the norm and joy is everywhere. 🔥📘
Join Des Moines Prep, a school built for student success — and for educators who want to make a real impact. 🎓✨
Join our team!
✅ Co-create programming and systems as a founding staff member.📚
✅ Work alongside other positive, collaborative, mission-driven individuals.🤝
✅ Be empowered and supported to innovate for students. ✨
If you’re passionate about education and want to be part of something new, we’d love to meet you!
🔗 Visit our website to apply today: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/careers/
Join Des Moines Prep, a school built for student success — and for educators who want to make a real impact. 🎓✨
Join our team!
✅ Co-create programming and systems as a founding staff member.📚
✅ Work alongside other positive, collaborative, mission-driven individuals.🤝
✅ Be empowered and supported to innovate for students. ✨
If you’re passionate about education and want to be part of something new, we’d love to meet you!
🔗 Visit our website to apply today: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/careers/
When we think about career and college readiness, we think about helping students find the perfect fit.
That’s why our college and career prep programs start in the 9th grade. It takes time for students to explore their interests and options, and match them to their lifestyle, budget, and long-term career interests.
And we’re here to help and guide them. Every step of the way.
Enrolling now for August! 🔗 Learn more today: desmoinesprep.org
When we think about career and college readiness, we think about helping students find the perfect fit.
That’s why our college and career prep programs start in the 9th grade. It takes time for students to explore their interests and options, and match them to their lifestyle, budget, and long-term career interests.
And we’re here to help and guide them. Every step of the way.
Enrolling now for August! 🔗 Learn more today: desmoinesprep.org
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