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!
Emphasis on the joy.
Trailblazers hit the ice and turf yesterday for some midweek fun. Happy to report everyone who fell got back up. 🫡
#DesMoines #FieldTrip #iceskating #HighSchool #Trailblazers
Emphasis on the joy.
Trailblazers hit the ice and turf yesterday for some midweek fun. Happy to report everyone who fell got back up. 🫡
#DesMoines #FieldTrip #iceskating #HighSchool #Trailblazers
Shakespeare really is better live. Mrs. Pierce’s 9th grade ELA class outdid themselves with their Macbeth reenactment. 👑
#ELA #Shakespeare #ClassroomFun #DesMoinesPrep
Shakespeare really is better live. Mrs. Pierce’s 9th grade ELA class outdid themselves with their Macbeth reenactment. 👑
#ELA #Shakespeare #ClassroomFun #DesMoinesPrep
Wondering what it’s like to attend an open house at Des Moines Prep? Follow along to get a glimpse of the night, and stay tuned for the next one!
Thank you all for stopping by, we loved meeting you!✨
#NewSchool #desmoinesprep #openhouse #desmoines
Wondering what it’s like to attend an open house at Des Moines Prep? Follow along to get a glimpse of the night, and stay tuned for the next one!
Thank you all for stopping by, we loved meeting you!✨
#NewSchool #desmoinesprep #openhouse #desmoines
Seeing if our teachers pass the pose test 👀… maybe next time.
Don’t worry DSM Prep teachers, we still think you’re the coolest.
#NewSchool #DesMoines #DesMoinesPrep #Trailblazers
Seeing if our teachers pass the pose test 👀… maybe next time.
Don’t worry DSM Prep teachers, we still think you’re the coolest.
#NewSchool #DesMoines #DesMoinesPrep #Trailblazers
From connecting with professional mentors to exploring robotics at DMACC, it was another day of real-world learning in our College & Career Pathways class. 🤖✨
Interested in learning more about Pathways? Meet and speak directly with DSM Prep teachers at tomorrow’s open house! 👉 opeducation.org/5k4
From connecting with professional mentors to exploring robotics at DMACC, it was another day of real-world learning in our College & Career Pathways class. 🤖✨
Interested in learning more about Pathways? Meet and speak directly with DSM Prep teachers at tomorrow’s open house! 👉 opeducation.org/5k4
Who says art is just for art class?
Our Spanish classes put down the pencil and picked up the paintbrush to try their hand at learning the colores in Spanish! 🎨
#DesMoinesPrep #NewSchool
Who says art is just for art class?
Our Spanish classes put down the pencil and picked up the paintbrush to try their hand at learning the colores in Spanish! 🎨
#DesMoinesPrep #NewSchool
To debate or not to debate?
Great learning begins with great discussion. Our 9th-grade ELA class gathered in the Agora to debate the different themes in Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Luckily for us, there were no duels, just some lively conversation.
#Shakespeare #Trailblazers #DesMoinesPrep
To debate or not to debate?
Great learning begins with great discussion. Our 9th-grade ELA class gathered in the Agora to debate the different themes in Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Luckily for us, there were no duels, just some lively conversation.
#Shakespeare #Trailblazers #DesMoinesPrep
School is officially CLOSED today due to winter weather and hazardous road conditions.
Stay warm, Trailblazers!
School is officially CLOSED today due to winter weather and hazardous road conditions.
Stay warm, Trailblazers!
Currently: Replaying every moment of Des Moines Prep’s winter formal. 🎥
#NightUndertheStars #SchoolSpirit
Currently: Replaying every moment of Des Moines Prep’s winter formal. 🎥
#NightUndertheStars #SchoolSpirit
Leaders recognizing leaders. 🤝
Earlier this month, we had a couple of VIP visitors see our campus in action. Opportunity Education Founder Joe Ricketts and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds joined us for an official visit to our school.
The best part? We got to showcase exactly what makes this place so special —our students and staff.🌟
Leaders recognizing leaders. 🤝
Earlier this month, we had a couple of VIP visitors see our campus in action. Opportunity Education Founder Joe Ricketts and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds joined us for an official visit to our school.
The best part? We got to showcase exactly what makes this place so special —our students and staff.🌟
Nothing but net! 🏀
Our boys’ basketball team celebrated a BIG win over Perry! Special thanks to our cheer team for keeping the hype all game long!
#DesMoinesPrep #SchoolSpirit
Nothing but net! 🏀
Our boys’ basketball team celebrated a BIG win over Perry! Special thanks to our cheer team for keeping the hype all game long!
#DesMoinesPrep #SchoolSpirit
We’re opening our doors and inviting you in to get a feel for what we’re all about. Our open house on March 5th will allow you the chance to:
🛍️ Snag some cool swag
🙋 Attend a quick info session
🧃 Convene with current parents over refreshments
👂 Hear from our student ambassadors about school culture
📚 Learn more about our college and career readiness curriculum
RSVP now! opeducation.org/5k4
We’re opening our doors and inviting you in to get a feel for what we’re all about. Our open house on March 5th will allow you the chance to:
🛍️ Snag some cool swag
🙋 Attend a quick info session
🧃 Convene with current parents over refreshments
👂 Hear from our student ambassadors about school culture
📚 Learn more about our college and career readiness curriculum
RSVP now! opeducation.org/5k4
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