Enrollment Now Open for 8th and 9th Grade!
Our Mission
Join a school focused on excellence and joy, where students develop the skills and values necessary to lead with ambition and purpose.
Des Moines Prep Programs
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 chat 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
Des Moines Prep News
Virtual Open House: Meet Our Team!
Join us online tomorrow, April 3rd for an exciting info session for prospective students and families!
🎓 Principal Matt Lakis will introduce members of the Des Moines Prep team:
✨ Nate Evans, Dean of Culture
✨ Kate Leo, Founding Language Arts Teacher and Reading Interventionist
✨ Austin Hudson, Founding Math Teacher
✨ And more! Expect a few surprise appearances from future Des Moines Prep teachers you’ll want to meet! 👀
Come learn about the educators who make Des Moines Prep an exceptional place to learn.
Meet our team, explore their roles, and bring your questions – we look forward to connecting with you.
📅 Thursday, April 3rd
RSVP at the link in our bio!
Virtual Open House: Meet Our Team!
Join us online tomorrow, April 3rd for an exciting info session for prospective students and families!
🎓 Principal Matt Lakis will introduce members of the Des Moines Prep team:
✨ Nate Evans, Dean of Culture
✨ Kate Leo, Founding Language Arts Teacher and Reading Interventionist
✨ Austin Hudson, Founding Math Teacher
✨ And more! Expect a few surprise appearances from future Des Moines Prep teachers you’ll want to meet! 👀
Come learn about the educators who make Des Moines Prep an exceptional place to learn.
Meet our team, explore their roles, and bring your questions – we look forward to connecting with you.
📅 Thursday, April 3rd
RSVP at the link in our bio!
Q: Are charter schools public schools?
A: Charter schools can be private or for profit. But Des Moines Prep is a tuition-free public school that meets the same academic, financial, and governance standards as any other public school.
✅ High accountability—we submit annual reports to prove results.
✅ Open to all students—no entrance exams or tuition.
✅ Non-profit and mission-driven—focused solely on student success.
💡 Don’t believe the myths—discover the facts.
🔗 Learn more & apply today: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/
Q: Are charter schools public schools?
A: Charter schools can be private or for profit. But Des Moines Prep is a tuition-free public school that meets the same academic, financial, and governance standards as any other public school.
✅ High accountability—we submit annual reports to prove results.
✅ Open to all students—no entrance exams or tuition.
✅ Non-profit and mission-driven—focused solely on student success.
💡 Don’t believe the myths—discover the facts.
🔗 Learn more & apply today: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/
✨ Thank you to everyone who joined us at Family Info Night! ✨
It was an amazing evening full of great questions, helpful conversations, and so much excitement about what`s ahead at Des Moines Prep. We`re building something special—and we’re so glad you`re part of it. 💙
📣 Upcoming Events:
Family Drop-In
📍 Valley Community Center, West Des Moines
🗓 March 25 | 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Virtual Open House: Meet Our Team
📍 Zoom
🗓 April 3 | 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Al Éxito’s College Night
📍 Grand View University, Student Center
🗓 April 9 | 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
🔗 View our full event calendar and RSVP here:
https://www.desmoinesprep.org/events-calendar/
✨ Thank you to everyone who joined us at Family Info Night! ✨
It was an amazing evening full of great questions, helpful conversations, and so much excitement about what`s ahead at Des Moines Prep. We`re building something special—and we’re so glad you`re part of it. 💙
📣 Upcoming Events:
Family Drop-In
📍 Valley Community Center, West Des Moines
🗓 March 25 | 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Virtual Open House: Meet Our Team
📍 Zoom
🗓 April 3 | 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Al Éxito’s College Night
📍 Grand View University, Student Center
🗓 April 9 | 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
🔗 View our full event calendar and RSVP here:
https://www.desmoinesprep.org/events-calendar/
There are many myths about public charter schools. One is that they don’t serve students with specialized needs.
In an interview with Katie Ward, Principal Matt Lakis addresses that concern head on and promises, “We are committed to providing an amazing experience for all kids regardless of what learning services they require.”
Watch the full clip to learn more about the nonselective admissions process at Des Moines Prep via the link in our bio.
There are many myths about public charter schools. One is that they don’t serve students with specialized needs.
In an interview with Katie Ward, Principal Matt Lakis addresses that concern head on and promises, “We are committed to providing an amazing experience for all kids regardless of what learning services they require.”
Watch the full clip to learn more about the nonselective admissions process at Des Moines Prep via the link in our bio.
You’re Invited: Meet Matt and the Des Moines Prep Team
Join Principal Matt Lakis and members of our team at one of our upcoming events. You’ll get an inside look at Des Moines Prep’s curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, enrollment process, and who and what make our school excellent.
Whether you prefer to attend in person or virtually, this is a great chance to ask questions and connect with the people behind our new school.
📅 Upcoming Events
Family Drop-In
📍 Valley Community Center, West Des Moines
🗓 March 25 | 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Virtual Open House: Meet Our Team
📍 Zoom
🗓 April 3 | 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Al Éxito’s College Night
📍 Grand View University, Student Center
🗓 April 9 | 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
🔗 View our full event calendar and RSVP here:
https://www.desmoinesprep.org/events-calendar/
We look forward to meeting you soon!
You’re Invited: Meet Matt and the Des Moines Prep Team
Join Principal Matt Lakis and members of our team at one of our upcoming events. You’ll get an inside look at Des Moines Prep’s curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, enrollment process, and who and what make our school excellent.
Whether you prefer to attend in person or virtually, this is a great chance to ask questions and connect with the people behind our new school.
📅 Upcoming Events
Family Drop-In
📍 Valley Community Center, West Des Moines
🗓 March 25 | 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Virtual Open House: Meet Our Team
📍 Zoom
🗓 April 3 | 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Al Éxito’s College Night
📍 Grand View University, Student Center
🗓 April 9 | 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
🔗 View our full event calendar and RSVP here:
https://www.desmoinesprep.org/events-calendar/
We look forward to meeting you soon!
Q: Are Esports scholarships real?
A: Yes! 💥 Colleges award millions in Esports scholarships every year.
At Des Moines Prep, we want to partner with our gamers to build a program that’s the envy of the state!
Our students will have the opportunity to compete, lead, and level up their future. 🎮🏆
🎯 Enroll in our school and join our Esports team—apply today!
Q: Are Esports scholarships real?
A: Yes! 💥 Colleges award millions in Esports scholarships every year.
At Des Moines Prep, we want to partner with our gamers to build a program that’s the envy of the state!
Our students will have the opportunity to compete, lead, and level up their future. 🎮🏆
🎯 Enroll in our school and join our Esports team—apply today!
At Des Moines Prep, education goes beyond the classroom. We believe joy, creativity, and community are just as important as academics. That’s why we’re excited to offer sports, clubs, and fine arts—giving students the freedom to explore their passions and build friendships.
We expect to roll out the following programs:
🎨 Art Club
🎭 Drama
🎙️ Debate
🎶 Musical Performance
🏀 Boys & Girls Basketball
🏐 Girls Volleyball
🏃 Boys & Girls Cross Country & Track
⚽ Boys & Girls Soccer
These programs are just getting started. As a member of the founding class, you’ll have the chance to help create them.
🔗 Learn more today at the link in our bio.
At Des Moines Prep, education goes beyond the classroom. We believe joy, creativity, and community are just as important as academics. That’s why we’re excited to offer sports, clubs, and fine arts—giving students the freedom to explore their passions and build friendships.
We expect to roll out the following programs:
🎨 Art Club
🎭 Drama
🎙️ Debate
🎶 Musical Performance
🏀 Boys & Girls Basketball
🏐 Girls Volleyball
🏃 Boys & Girls Cross Country & Track
⚽ Boys & Girls Soccer
These programs are just getting started. As a member of the founding class, you’ll have the chance to help create them.
🔗 Learn more today at the link in our bio.
Q: What are the benefits of charter schools?
A: Charter schools, like Des Moines Prep, offer tuition-free, college-focused learning with personalized support, real-world experiences, and a pathway to success after high school. 🌟
Get the facts about charter schools: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-Q1_Des-Moines-Myth-vs-Fact_v1.pdf
We believe every student deserves a school they can be proud of, and where they can be seen, heard and valued. Des Moines Prep focuses on creating joy, cultivating curiosity, and empowering students to invest, own, and drive their learning.
💙 Ready to join us? Apply today! 🚀
👉 https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
Q: What are the benefits of charter schools?
A: Charter schools, like Des Moines Prep, offer tuition-free, college-focused learning with personalized support, real-world experiences, and a pathway to success after high school. 🌟
Get the facts about charter schools: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-Q1_Des-Moines-Myth-vs-Fact_v1.pdf
We believe every student deserves a school they can be proud of, and where they can be seen, heard and valued. Des Moines Prep focuses on creating joy, cultivating curiosity, and empowering students to invest, own, and drive their learning.
💙 Ready to join us? Apply today! 🚀
👉 https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
Every student deserves a high-quality education that opens doors to college, careers, and beyond. As a tuition-free public school, Des Moines Prep ensures that access to rigorous academics, individualized support, and future-focused opportunities isn’t a privilege—it’s a right.
✅ Smaller class sizes & dedicated advisors
🏫 A safe, supportive learning environment
🎓 College & career preparation from day one
📚 Challenging coursework and high expectations
Your future starts here. Enroll today!
🔗 Visit the link in our bio to learn more.
Every student deserves a high-quality education that opens doors to college, careers, and beyond. As a tuition-free public school, Des Moines Prep ensures that access to rigorous academics, individualized support, and future-focused opportunities isn’t a privilege—it’s a right.
✅ Smaller class sizes & dedicated advisors
🏫 A safe, supportive learning environment
🎓 College & career preparation from day one
📚 Challenging coursework and high expectations
Your future starts here. Enroll today!
🔗 Visit the link in our bio to learn more.
Discover Des Moines Prep: A Non-Selective, Tuition-Free High School!
Our college and career prep incorporates discovery, evaluation, and exploration while encouraging students to take ownership over their lives and futures.
📚 40+ hours of college exploration (e.g. college visits; dual enrollment)
🏫 40+ hours of internship and/or job shadowing experiences
🎓 40+ hours of community service experience
🏆 40+ hours of extracurricular participation in robust sports and club offerings
✨ And so much more!
At Des Moines Prep, we’re committed to preparing students for whatever comes next— college, careers, and beyond. 🚀
Make sure you apply before March 14th to start this August! 🔗 Link in bio.
#DesMoinesPrep #NowEnrolling
Discover Des Moines Prep: A Non-Selective, Tuition-Free High School!
Our college and career prep incorporates discovery, evaluation, and exploration while encouraging students to take ownership over their lives and futures.
📚 40+ hours of college exploration (e.g. college visits; dual enrollment)
🏫 40+ hours of internship and/or job shadowing experiences
🎓 40+ hours of community service experience
🏆 40+ hours of extracurricular participation in robust sports and club offerings
✨ And so much more!
At Des Moines Prep, we’re committed to preparing students for whatever comes next— college, careers, and beyond. 🚀
Make sure you apply before March 14th to start this August! 🔗 Link in bio.
#DesMoinesPrep #NowEnrolling
Our deadline to enroll for our 9th grade class is March 14th!
Fortunately, we have a quick and easy application process.
Step 1: Fill out our brief online application by March 14
Step 2: Receive official notification of your application status by March 22
Step 3: Once accepted, finalize your enrollment package
We can’t wait to welcome you to Des Moines Prep!
🔗Apply at the link in our bio! 🔗
Our deadline to enroll for our 9th grade class is March 14th!
Fortunately, we have a quick and easy application process.
Step 1: Fill out our brief online application by March 14
Step 2: Receive official notification of your application status by March 22
Step 3: Once accepted, finalize your enrollment package
We can’t wait to welcome you to Des Moines Prep!
🔗Apply at the link in our bio! 🔗
Des Moines Prep cares about creating a place where students are seen, supported, and set up for success.
Here are 5 things that make our school special ↓
✅ Small-school Environment – Every student gets the attention they deserve. No getting lost in the crowd here.
✅ A Strategy for Success – Four years of personalized college and postsecondary planning as well as daily advisory.
✅ College Prep – We equip students with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in college and beyond.
✅ A Safe, Supportive Environment – Every voice matters, and every learner is empowered to lead and succeed.
✅ Tuition Free – It’s the high-quality experience of a private school but completely free.
🔗 Visit the link in our bio to access the full live replay.
Des Moines Prep cares about creating a place where students are seen, supported, and set up for success.
Here are 5 things that make our school special ↓
✅ Small-school Environment – Every student gets the attention they deserve. No getting lost in the crowd here.
✅ A Strategy for Success – Four years of personalized college and postsecondary planning as well as daily advisory.
✅ College Prep – We equip students with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in college and beyond.
✅ A Safe, Supportive Environment – Every voice matters, and every learner is empowered to lead and succeed.
✅ Tuition Free – It’s the high-quality experience of a private school but completely free.
🔗 Visit the link in our bio to access the full live replay.
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