Applications Now 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 are currently being 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.
2025-2026 School Year:
APPLY FOR THIS YEAR Versión en Español
2026-2027 School Year:
APPLY FOR NEXT YEAR
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!
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
Trailblazers have moves like no other. Safe to say the #DesMoinesPrep inaugural winter formal was a success. 🪩
Thank you to our friends @dsmheritagecenter for the perfect place for a #NightUndertheStars ✨
#SchoolSpirit #Trailblazers #DesMoinesPrep #NewSchool #SchoolDance #DressToImpress
Trailblazers have moves like no other. Safe to say the #DesMoinesPrep inaugural winter formal was a success. 🪩
Thank you to our friends @dsmheritagecenter for the perfect place for a #NightUndertheStars ✨
#SchoolSpirit #Trailblazers #DesMoinesPrep #NewSchool #SchoolDance #DressToImpress
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.
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.
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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