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Why Charter Schools

A Tuition-Free High School for Des Moines

We opened Des Moines Prep because we firmly believe that every student deserves a school they can be proud of, and where they can be seen, heard and valued. One of the key goals for our school is to support students’ passions and encourage them to leverage their strengths.

Our school creates joy, cultivates curiosity, and empowers students to invest, own, and drive their learning. That’s the Des Moines Prep difference.

As a charter school, we are also:

Student white boarding in classroom.

Tuition Free

First and foremost, charter schools offer the quality of a private education but they are tuition free. This makes them accessible to all students.

Non-selective

Charter schools are open to all students. Enrollment is on a non-selective, rolling admissions basis and does not exclude students based on academic ability or disability.

Students walking down hallway.

Two teens with woman smiling.

Family Oriented

Charter schools prioritize getting parents and the entire family involved. From regular communication and transparency to encouraging involvement in parent groups and family events, charter schools offer a welcoming environment.

Highly Flexible

Charter schools have the freedom to respond quickly to students’ needs. They are free to implement curriculum changes, adjust teaching methods, or shift administrative practices to address local opportunities and challenges.

Students in a work room talking to a teacher.

Teacher talking to class.

Results Driven

Charter schools are held to performance and fiscal goals that are outlined in the contract they have with the local school board or state agency. These are measurable results that ensure quality and accountability.

Innovative

Charter schools are free to use best-practice teaching resources and techniques. They can develop their own innovative strategies and techniques that lead to improved student outcomes.

Hands of student working with scientific model.

Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Charter schools are private schools.

FACT: While Des Moines Prep offers a rigorous academic and college preparatory experience similar to that of a private school, it is a public school that is free and available to ANY student.

Myth: Charter schools can choose which students to enroll based on academic performance or test scores.

FACT: Public charter schools are non-selective and must accept all students, like any other public school. If more than 150 students apply to enroll in Des Moines Prep, students will be selected via blind lottery.

Myth: Charter schools are funded by education savings accounts (ESAs), also known as school vouchers.

FACT: ESAs are not a part of the equation when it comes to Des Moines Prep. Des Moines Prep, like any public school, receives funding from the state on a per pupil basis. When it comes to funding, it’s similar to the concept of open enrollment. The per pupil dollars follow the student to the school they attend.

Myth: Charter schools have a political or religious affiliation.

FACT: None of our schools have any religious nor political affiliation. We believe teachers and staff members should not bring their own beliefs and politics into the school to avoid stifling our students’ freedom to explore new ideas.

Myth: Students with special needs or Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) cannot attend public charter schools.

FACT: Des Moines Prep is open to all who apply (up to 150 students per grade), and accommodations will be made for students with IEPs and other special needs.

Myth: Public charter schools have no governance.

FACT: Des Moines Prep is overseen by an independent, non-profit board of directors. Just like any other public school, it is subject to open meetings and records laws.

Additionally, charter schools are approved by the Iowa State Board of Education and held to annual performance metrics to maintain their charter.

Myth: All charter schools are a for-profit enterprise.

FACT: Although some charter schools are run by (or outsourced to) for-profit entities, Opportunity Education and Des Moines Prep are fully non-profit organizations. The school and foundation are private non-profits committed to ensuring all families have access to a high-quality education.

Myth: Charter schools take money from public schools.

FACT: Des Moines Prep, like any public school, receives funding from the state on a per pupil basis. When it comes to funding, it’s similar to the concept of open enrollment – where the per pupil dollars follow the student to the school they attend.

Money for the purchase of land and buildings, renovations, and construction for Des Moines Prep is 100% funded through philanthropic donations, and not funded by public or taxpayer money.

Myth: There is no accountability with charter schools.

FACT: Charter schools are held to the highest standard of accountability of any type of school. They are required to meet the same standards of transparency and equity as traditional district public schools.

Additionally, charter schools in Iowa are required to submit annual reports to the state to evaluate the school’s performance and ensure compliance with the performance framework outlined by the Iowa State Board of Education — the charter’s authorizing entity. The reports must include annual academic growth and proficiency, graduation rates, and financial performance and sustainability.

In addition, charters have independent boards of directors with fiduciary responsibility for ensuring the school maintains strong academic, enrollment, and financial outcomes.