Application Process

Des Moines Prep is currently accepting applications for 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students. Students must be residents of the state of Iowa.

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.

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.

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.

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.