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!
In honor of National School Counseling Week, we want to give a massive shoutout to our very own Jean Muhammad!
At Des Moines Prep, we understand how important it is for families to find a school that truly cares for their child’s future. Jean plays a vital role in ensuring our Trailblazers always feel seen and supported. Whether she is helping students navigate their academic journey or providing the support they need to feel empowered for success, her dedication to our community is unmatched.
Thank you, Jean, for everything you do for our students and families!
In honor of National School Counseling Week, we want to give a massive shoutout to our very own Jean Muhammad!
At Des Moines Prep, we understand how important it is for families to find a school that truly cares for their child’s future. Jean plays a vital role in ensuring our Trailblazers always feel seen and supported. Whether she is helping students navigate their academic journey or providing the support they need to feel empowered for success, her dedication to our community is unmatched.
Thank you, Jean, for everything you do for our students and families!
This day was a powerful culmination of student leadership, academic rigor, and community at Des Moines Prep. In a true collegiate-style atmosphere, our students turned their classroom into a collaborative base for final exam essay prep.
We are so proud to watch our students transform into expert peer editors! Completely organically, a solid group of leaders led by Penelope, Emmet, and Liliana, emerged to offer their keen insights and editing services to their peers in our studious break-out rooms.
This day was a powerful culmination of student leadership, academic rigor, and community at Des Moines Prep. In a true collegiate-style atmosphere, our students turned their classroom into a collaborative base for final exam essay prep.
We are so proud to watch our students transform into expert peer editors! Completely organically, a solid group of leaders led by Penelope, Emmet, and Liliana, emerged to offer their keen insights and editing services to their peers in our studious break-out rooms.
It was a big week for Trailblazer athletics! Whether in the pool or on the court, our student-athletes are demonstrating the excellence and competitive drive that define Des Moines Prep.
Huge congratulations to our basketball team for securing our school’s second win of the week. Their hard work and teamwork are truly paying off on the court. Over in the pool, we are so proud of Fletcher for his standout performance at the conference swim meet in Ames. He took first place in his heat and is projected for a top 15 overall time in the 100 freestyle!
It was a big week for Trailblazer athletics! Whether in the pool or on the court, our student-athletes are demonstrating the excellence and competitive drive that define Des Moines Prep.
Huge congratulations to our basketball team for securing our school’s second win of the week. Their hard work and teamwork are truly paying off on the court. Over in the pool, we are so proud of Fletcher for his standout performance at the conference swim meet in Ames. He took first place in his heat and is projected for a top 15 overall time in the 100 freestyle!
School Choice Week is about one thing: students getting the education they deserve.
Many students feel stuck in large, underperforming systems—
unseen, unchallenged, and settling for less than their potential.
At Des Moines Prep, we do things differently.
• A supportive, high-expectations environment that prepares students for real success
• A school where students are known, challenged, and empowered
• A community that truly cares about each student’s future
Because students shouldn’t have to settle for less than the best education.
Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are now open for 8th, 9th, and 10th grade.
Apply by March 1, 2026 to secure your spot.
Apply Today: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
#schoolchoiceweek #desmoines
School Choice Week is about one thing: students getting the education they deserve.
Many students feel stuck in large, underperforming systems—
unseen, unchallenged, and settling for less than their potential.
At Des Moines Prep, we do things differently.
• A supportive, high-expectations environment that prepares students for real success
• A school where students are known, challenged, and empowered
• A community that truly cares about each student’s future
Because students shouldn’t have to settle for less than the best education.
Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are now open for 8th, 9th, and 10th grade.
Apply by March 1, 2026 to secure your spot.
Apply Today: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
#schoolchoiceweek #desmoines
Des Moines Prep will be closed Friday, January 23rd due to extreme temperatures. Final Exams have been moved to Monday and Tuesday of next week. Students/families, please check your email for more details. Stay warm, Trailblazers!
Des Moines Prep will be closed Friday, January 23rd due to extreme temperatures. Final Exams have been moved to Monday and Tuesday of next week. Students/families, please check your email for more details. Stay warm, Trailblazers!
History made tonight.
Our boys took the floor as the first Des Moines Prep basketball team—true trailblazers for our school.
And they weren’t alone. Our cheer squad brought the energy, and our girls basketball team traveled to support every minute.
Three squads. One team. One family. Des Moines Prep. 🏀
History made tonight.
Our boys took the floor as the first Des Moines Prep basketball team—true trailblazers for our school.
And they weren’t alone. Our cheer squad brought the energy, and our girls basketball team traveled to support every minute.
Three squads. One team. One family. Des Moines Prep. 🏀
The momentum is real! 🏀 Great hustle from the boys’ basketball team during practice. We’re not just playing; we’re building a competitive program that demands excellence on and off the court.
The momentum is real! 🏀 Great hustle from the boys’ basketball team during practice. We’re not just playing; we’re building a competitive program that demands excellence on and off the court.
Next-level opportunities! Our Girls Basketball team had an amazing time at the Drake Women’s Basketball game! 🏀
They were invited by the head coach and got to experience the atmosphere of college sports up close. A big shout out to Coach Marrow for making the connection for our girls!
At Des Moines Prep, we don’t wait for the future; we bring it to our students, ensuring they have the connections and vision for what comes next.
#DesMoinesPrep #DrakeUniversity
Next-level opportunities! Our Girls Basketball team had an amazing time at the Drake Women’s Basketball game! 🏀
They were invited by the head coach and got to experience the atmosphere of college sports up close. A big shout out to Coach Marrow for making the connection for our girls!
At Des Moines Prep, we don’t wait for the future; we bring it to our students, ensuring they have the connections and vision for what comes next.
#DesMoinesPrep #DrakeUniversity
Spreading the gratitude! 💙 We love this act of kindness from our students who wrote notes of appreciation and gratitude for our teachers! These were gifted during a little Staffsgiving gathering we had.
Spreading the gratitude! 💙 We love this act of kindness from our students who wrote notes of appreciation and gratitude for our teachers! These were gifted during a little Staffsgiving gathering we had.
Coming to school every day gets you paid! 💸 Shout out to our Trailblazers who showed up 100% of the time in Q1 and earned their 100 Grand Candy Bar!
Teaching skills that last a lifetime! We are committed to helping students grow into strong, confident leaders through mentorship and high expectations. This focus on daily commitment, professionalism, and accountability is part of how we prepare our students for college and careers.
Ready for a school that sees student commitment? Enroll today!
Coming to school every day gets you paid! 💸 Shout out to our Trailblazers who showed up 100% of the time in Q1 and earned their 100 Grand Candy Bar!
Teaching skills that last a lifetime! We are committed to helping students grow into strong, confident leaders through mentorship and high expectations. This focus on daily commitment, professionalism, and accountability is part of how we prepare our students for college and careers.
Ready for a school that sees student commitment? Enroll today!
December 12th is GAME DAY and our Trailblazers are ready to face Van Meter!! 📣
Come show your school pride and support our dedicated student-athletes as they continue to build our winning legacy.
🏀 Tip-Off is at 4:00 PM. Let’s go, Des Moines Prep Trailblazers!
December 12th is GAME DAY and our Trailblazers are ready to face Van Meter!! 📣
Come show your school pride and support our dedicated student-athletes as they continue to build our winning legacy.
🏀 Tip-Off is at 4:00 PM. Let’s go, Des Moines Prep Trailblazers!
Making a global impact! Our entire 9th grade class went to “Meals from the Heartland” for their first community service experience.
The students packaged nearly 40,000 shelf-stable meals to feed the hungry and help those in need after natural disasters. This amazing effort resulted in 156 children having meals for a whole year from the food packed today.
This kind of hands-on experience is key to building compassion and leadership at Des Moines Prep. Great work, Trailblazers!
#DesMoinesPrep #CommunityService #MealsFromTheHeartland #Trailblazers
Making a global impact! Our entire 9th grade class went to “Meals from the Heartland” for their first community service experience.
The students packaged nearly 40,000 shelf-stable meals to feed the hungry and help those in need after natural disasters. This amazing effort resulted in 156 children having meals for a whole year from the food packed today.
This kind of hands-on experience is key to building compassion and leadership at Des Moines Prep. Great work, Trailblazers!
#DesMoinesPrep #CommunityService #MealsFromTheHeartland #Trailblazers
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