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!
There`s just ONE day left before school starts, so we wanted to check in. 💙
See you tomorrow, Trailblazers! We`re so glad to have you back. 🐎✨
There`s just ONE day left before school starts, so we wanted to check in. 💙
See you tomorrow, Trailblazers! We`re so glad to have you back. 🐎✨
She has opinions. Some of them may be controversial. 👀 What`s not controversial? She`s a great person to chat with. 💙
Our new English teacher, Ms. Edelman is taking on DSMP Q&A — and between her very specific preferences and some answers we definitely need to discuss, you’ll get to know her pretty quickly. 🎥✨
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #staffintro #DMPQA
She has opinions. Some of them may be controversial. 👀 What`s not controversial? She`s a great person to chat with. 💙
Our new English teacher, Ms. Edelman is taking on DSMP Q&A — and between her very specific preferences and some answers we definitely need to discuss, you’ll get to know her pretty quickly. 🎥✨
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #staffintro #DMPQA
A strong school culture starts with a strong staff culture! 💙
Last week, new and returning staff participated in our first ever retreat at Lake Rathbun.
After days spent learning, collaborating, and digging into our values of Leadership, Ownership, Academic Excellence, and Joy, we ended by putting that last one into practice — in true Trailblazer fashion. 🐎✨
A strong school culture starts with a strong staff culture! 💙
Last week, new and returning staff participated in our first ever retreat at Lake Rathbun.
After days spent learning, collaborating, and digging into our values of Leadership, Ownership, Academic Excellence, and Joy, we ended by putting that last one into practice — in true Trailblazer fashion. 🐎✨
New to DSMP and already keeping us entertained. 😂
Our Social Studies teacher, Mr. Presthus, is up next for DSMP Q&A – and let’s just say we learned a few things we definitely wouldn’t find in his lesson plans. 🎥
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #staffintro #DMPQA
New to DSMP and already keeping us entertained. 😂
Our Social Studies teacher, Mr. Presthus, is up next for DSMP Q&A – and let’s just say we learned a few things we definitely wouldn’t find in his lesson plans. 🎥
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #staffintro #DMPQA
You know Mr. Evans, our Dean of Culture…but do you know the man behind the title? 👀
13 questions. A few unexpected answers. And your chance to get to know one of the faces you’ll see around DSMP a little better in today`s edition of DSMP Q&A. 🎥
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #staffintro #DMPQA
You know Mr. Evans, our Dean of Culture…but do you know the man behind the title? 👀
13 questions. A few unexpected answers. And your chance to get to know one of the faces you’ll see around DSMP a little better in today`s edition of DSMP Q&A. 🎥
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #staffintro #DMPQA
Two electives, two very different classrooms, and one friendship that somehow makes perfect sense. 🎨🔬
For this DSMP Q&A, we’re catching up with the teachers behind Art (Ms. Jones-Tweedy) and STEM (Ms. Gratton)! Get to know the dynamic duo behind two of our electives – with plenty of personality along the way. 💙
#DesmoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #staffintro #DMPQA
Two electives, two very different classrooms, and one friendship that somehow makes perfect sense. 🎨🔬
For this DSMP Q&A, we’re catching up with the teachers behind Art (Ms. Jones-Tweedy) and STEM (Ms. Gratton)! Get to know the dynamic duo behind two of our electives – with plenty of personality along the way. 💙
#DesmoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #staffintro #DMPQA
Good vibes, great hidden talent, and a whole lot of love for Des Moines Prep 🤝
We’re back with another DSMP Q&A! This time, we’re catching up with one of our paraeducators, Mr. Cervantes. 🎥
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #staffintro #DMPQA
Good vibes, great hidden talent, and a whole lot of love for Des Moines Prep 🤝
We’re back with another DSMP Q&A! This time, we’re catching up with one of our paraeducators, Mr. Cervantes. 🎥
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #staffintro #DMPQA
Character development? We take that seriously. 🙂↕️📚
#DesMoinesPrep #trend #IowaHighSchool #netflixdocumentary
Character development? We take that seriously. 🙂↕️📚
#DesMoinesPrep #trend #IowaHighSchool #netflixdocumentary
Some leaders help shape a school one conversation at a time. 🏫 💙
On today`s episode of DMP Q&A, get to know Mrs. Woster, our Dean of Academics! As a familiar face at Des Moines Prep, she`s helping create an environment where students are encouraged to grow, challenge themselves, and succeed.
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #StaffIntro #DMPQA
Some leaders help shape a school one conversation at a time. 🏫 💙
On today`s episode of DMP Q&A, get to know Mrs. Woster, our Dean of Academics! As a familiar face at Des Moines Prep, she`s helping create an environment where students are encouraged to grow, challenge themselves, and succeed.
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #StaffIntro #DMPQA
The start of a new school year is almost here! 💙📚
Be sure to save these important dates:
🏫 Back-to-School Night: August 18
📚 First Day of School: August 24
Back-to-School Night is for both new and returning DSMP families!
✨ New families, please arrive at 5 PM
✨ Returning families, plan to arrive at 6 PM
Additional details will be sent via email in this Friday`s newsletter. We can`t wait to welcome everyone back and kick off another great year at Des Moines Prep! 💙
The start of a new school year is almost here! 💙📚
Be sure to save these important dates:
🏫 Back-to-School Night: August 18
📚 First Day of School: August 24
Back-to-School Night is for both new and returning DSMP families!
✨ New families, please arrive at 5 PM
✨ Returning families, plan to arrive at 6 PM
Additional details will be sent via email in this Friday`s newsletter. We can`t wait to welcome everyone back and kick off another great year at Des Moines Prep! 💙
A familiar face, a new role, and the same dedication to our students and families. 💙
This time on DMP Q&A, new and returning families alike get to know Mrs. Seley, our Dean of Operations!
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #StaffIntro #DMPQA
A familiar face, a new role, and the same dedication to our students and families. 💙
This time on DMP Q&A, new and returning families alike get to know Mrs. Seley, our Dean of Operations!
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #StaffIntro #DMPQA
Every classroom has a teacher who makes a lasting impact.
Get to know Mr. Hudson, one of our returning math teachers, in the latest episode of DMP Q&A. From the classroom to beyond, we`re excited to introduce more of the incredible educators who make Des Moines Prep such a special place. 💙
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #StaffIntro #DMPQA
Every classroom has a teacher who makes a lasting impact.
Get to know Mr. Hudson, one of our returning math teachers, in the latest episode of DMP Q&A. From the classroom to beyond, we`re excited to introduce more of the incredible educators who make Des Moines Prep such a special place. 💙
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #StaffIntro #DMPQA
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