Applications Open for the 2026-2027 School Year!
Application Process
Be Part of Our Next Class:
Applications for 8th, 9th, and 10th Grade Are Open!
Every student in Iowa deserves access to an exceptional education, and at Des Moines Prep, the door is wide open. There are no entrance exams and no admission barriers—just a clear path to a rigorous, future-focused education designed to help students thrive in college and in life.
Begin your journey with our Student Application.
Want to know why families choose Des Moines Prep? Watch the video and hear directly from our students and staff.
Step 1: Submit an Application
Complete our online application by providing your student’s name and contact information along with parent or guardian details.
Applications submitted before the March 1, 2026 priority deadline have been processed, and those families should have received an email regarding their student’s application status.
Limited seats remain for the 2026–2027 school year. Applications submitted after March 1 will be reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis until all reaming seats are filled.
2026-2027 School Year:
APPLY FOR THIS FALL
Step 2: Receive Your Decision
Families who applied before the March 1 priority deadline will receive a decision by March 6, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Families who apply after March 1 will be notified of their application status within 1–2 business days.
Step 3: Complete Enrollment
Accepted families will be invited to complete the enrollment package, including health forms, transcripts, proof of residency, and other required documents.
Submitting these forms promptly will secure your student’s spot. Students are not officially enrolled until all enrollment documents are submitted.
If you have any questions, please contact Des Moines Prep at info@desmoinesprep.org or fill out the form below.
Get an Inside Look and See the Trailblazer Spirit!
Please excuse us… we prioritize JOY around here!
While our high school students had the building to themselves to focus on ACT testing, our 8th graders took their learning—and a little fun—out into the community with a field trip to Blank Park Zoo!
Because school should be about working hard, exploring your community, making memories with your classmates, and having a whole lot of fun along the way.
Excellence AND Joy. We mean both. #DesMoinesPrep #CampusLife #schoolspirit #Trailblazers #charterschool #studentlife #desmoinesiowa #Discovery
Please excuse us… we prioritize JOY around here!
While our high school students had the building to themselves to focus on ACT testing, our 8th graders took their learning—and a little fun—out into the community with a field trip to Blank Park Zoo!
Because school should be about working hard, exploring your community, making memories with your classmates, and having a whole lot of fun along the way.
Excellence AND Joy. We mean both. #DesMoinesPrep #CampusLife #schoolspirit #Trailblazers #charterschool #studentlife #desmoinesiowa #Discovery
You might know her as your Spanish teacher, but her résumé has a few plot twists. 👀🌎
From living all over the place to playing Ultimate Frisbee for the Spanish National Team (!!), there’s a lot more to learn about one of our returning Trailblazers, Ms. Rohret.
13 questions. Another episode of DSMP Q&A. Let’s get into it. 🎥
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #staffintro #DMPQA
You might know her as your Spanish teacher, but her résumé has a few plot twists. 👀🌎
From living all over the place to playing Ultimate Frisbee for the Spanish National Team (!!), there’s a lot more to learn about one of our returning Trailblazers, Ms. Rohret.
13 questions. Another episode of DSMP Q&A. Let’s get into it. 🎥
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #staffintro #DMPQA
From college athletics to the math classroom — and he brought the jokes with him. 😂📐
Our newest math teacher, Mr. Fiddelke, is up next for DSMP Q&A! He’s excited to help students tackle the tough stuff and have a little fun along the way. 🐎
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #staffintro #DMPQA
From college athletics to the math classroom — and he brought the jokes with him. 😂📐
Our newest math teacher, Mr. Fiddelke, is up next for DSMP Q&A! He’s excited to help students tackle the tough stuff and have a little fun along the way. 🐎
#DesMoinesPrep #IowaHighSchool #staffintro #DMPQA
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
Who is eligible to enroll?
Des Moines Prep is currently accepting applications for 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students. Students must be residents of the state of Iowa.
What are the admissions requirements?
Des Moines Prep welcomes all students who have a passion for learning and a desire to grow academically and personally. There are no academic prerequisites or selection criteria—our approach is inclusive, ensuring all students have the chance to access this high quality educational experience.
In accordance with Iowa Code § 256F.4, Des Moines Prep admits students to the grade levels the school serves and requires applicants to be eligible for enrollment in the requested grade level. Grade-level eligibility is determined based on official school records and other enrollment documentation as necessary. Applicants whose grade-level eligibility cannot be verified at the time an enrollment decision is made may have their admission decision deferred until eligibility has been established. Admission remains subject to seat availability at the time eligibility is verified.
Is Des Moines Prep right for your student?
Des Moines Prep offers a dynamic and inclusive academic program designed to encourage learning, foster creativity, and support future success. Our program is perfect for students who:
- are passionate about exploring new ideas and subjects;
- strive to develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills;
- aspire to be accepted to college and pursue an ambitious postsecondary plan with confidence;
- seek a smaller school community while still maintaining access to college-level coursework and local community partners; and
- require a safe, orderly, and collaborative school culture rooted in community and high expectations for all.
What makes Des Moines Prep exceptional for students?
At Des Moines Prep, we are proud to provide the following resources and opportunities to support student success:
- Intensive Math and Reading Programs: We offer increased instructional minutes with focused support to help students build foundational skills and achieve academic excellence.
- Daily Advisory: Our 4-year advisories regularly monitor student progress toward grade-level benchmarks and serve as a consistent point of contact for students and families.
- College Preparation and Application Support: 4-years of guidance and resources help students navigate the college application process and plan for their future.
- Hands-on Learning Experiences: Each school year, students are required to complete 10 hours of practical experiences in community service, college readiness, career exploration, and co-curriculars.
- Exceptional Extracurricular Opportunities: Des Moines Prep is committed to excellence inside and outside of the classroom, including athletics and extracurriculars rooted in student interest. We believe that extracurricular experiences are vital to helping students feel connected, developing leadership, and identifying their passions.
- Private School Feel with No Cost to Families: At Des Moines Prep, we believe students thrive when they feel seen, heard, and valued. To achieve this, we foster a small-school environment that prioritizes building strong relationships with students and families. We are dedicated to knowing each student by name, along with their aspirations for the future. Our high expectations and student uniforms instill the foundations of professionalism and promote excellence in every aspect of school life.
What about extracurricular activities and sports?
Our offerings will continue to grow and expand each year as our student body grows and we learn more about student interests. With our world-class facilities and dedicated coaches and mentors, students will be empowered to establish and shape the programs that help define our school culture. If a student is interested in an activity that is not offered at Des Moines Prep, they will be able to access it at the school in their attendance zone, per IA Senate File 2368.
Do siblings of Des Moines Prep students get priority enrollment?
Siblings of current Des Moines Prep students are automatically given acceptance so long as an application has been received by the March 1, 2026 deadline. If a sibling does not submit an application before the deadline, they are not guaranteed admission. Note that siblings bypass the lottery, before the lottery drawing begins, all siblings that have applied are provided a spot and the remaining spots are filled with non-sibling applicants via the lottery.
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Des Moines Prep does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law in its student admissions process.
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