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!
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
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
🔁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
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
Now introducing DMP class of 2030😎🎉#gotrailblazers
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
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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