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
🎓 College Credit. Real Dorm Life. Lifelong Friendships.
Des Moines Prep 9th graders, this one’s for you.
Business Horizons | July 13–17, 2025
Hosted by the ABI Foundation, this elite summer camp isn’t just another leadership program, it’s your first step into college.
🌟🌟🌟Earn 3 COLLEGE CREDITS from the University of Iowa
Course: Intro to Entrepreneurship
Yes, it will appear on your college transcript!
Only $100 after scholarship
+$150 for college credit option
(financial assistance available)
🏡 Stay in dorms, bunk with fellow DSM Prep classmates, and build your future community
✍️ This is not your average summer camp. It’s your college start line.
Email mlakis@desmoinesprep.org to reserve your spot or discuss financial assistance options.
🎓 College Credit. Real Dorm Life. Lifelong Friendships.
Des Moines Prep 9th graders, this one’s for you.
Business Horizons | July 13–17, 2025
Hosted by the ABI Foundation, this elite summer camp isn’t just another leadership program, it’s your first step into college.
🌟🌟🌟Earn 3 COLLEGE CREDITS from the University of Iowa
Course: Intro to Entrepreneurship
Yes, it will appear on your college transcript!
Only $100 after scholarship
+$150 for college credit option
(financial assistance available)
🏡 Stay in dorms, bunk with fellow DSM Prep classmates, and build your future community
✍️ This is not your average summer camp. It’s your college start line.
Email mlakis@desmoinesprep.org to reserve your spot or discuss financial assistance options.
👀 No, it’s not a swimming pool.
Yes, it’s about to be the coolest student union in Iowa.
Floor-to-ceiling windows, coffee shop vibes, bar seating, and a drop-in space designed for connection—not just consumption.
At Des Moines Prep, our students deserve spaces that inspire and this one is definitely going to make some waves.
👀 No, it’s not a swimming pool.
Yes, it’s about to be the coolest student union in Iowa.
Floor-to-ceiling windows, coffee shop vibes, bar seating, and a drop-in space designed for connection—not just consumption.
At Des Moines Prep, our students deserve spaces that inspire and this one is definitely going to make some waves.
⚾ Des Moines Prep at the Iowa Cubs!
Join us for a night of fun, baseball, and school pride at Principal Park on June 14, 2025 as the Iowa Cubs take on the Louisville Bats!
📍 Location: Principal Park at 6:00 p.m.
⚾ Pregame Catch on the Field at 5:00 p.m. – sponsored by Des Moines Prep!
All Des Moines Prep families receive FREE TICKETS to cheer on the Cubs, play catch on the field before the game, and connect with our school team at the DMP booth on the concourse.
To claim your tickets, email Principal Matt at: mlakis@desmoinesprep.org
⚾ Des Moines Prep at the Iowa Cubs!
Join us for a night of fun, baseball, and school pride at Principal Park on June 14, 2025 as the Iowa Cubs take on the Louisville Bats!
📍 Location: Principal Park at 6:00 p.m.
⚾ Pregame Catch on the Field at 5:00 p.m. – sponsored by Des Moines Prep!
All Des Moines Prep families receive FREE TICKETS to cheer on the Cubs, play catch on the field before the game, and connect with our school team at the DMP booth on the concourse.
To claim your tickets, email Principal Matt at: mlakis@desmoinesprep.org
⚽ FREE Soccer Skills Camps for Des Moines Prep Students!
Because you’re part of Des Moines Prep, you get exclusive access to elite training with DSM Menace coaches—at no cost to your family.
📍 Location: MidAmerican Energy RecPlex
👟 Led by: DSM Menace professional coaches
📅 Camp Dates & Focus Areas:
• June 16 – Defensive Skills Camp
• June 30 – Goalkeeping Skills Camp
• July 14 – Striking Skills Camp
Spots are limited—don’t wait! Register at the link in our bio!
Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your game with guidance from one of Iowa’s top soccer programs.
@menacesoccer94 thank you for partnering with us to offer Des Moines Prep students this opportunity.
⚽ FREE Soccer Skills Camps for Des Moines Prep Students!
Because you’re part of Des Moines Prep, you get exclusive access to elite training with DSM Menace coaches—at no cost to your family.
📍 Location: MidAmerican Energy RecPlex
👟 Led by: DSM Menace professional coaches
📅 Camp Dates & Focus Areas:
• June 16 – Defensive Skills Camp
• June 30 – Goalkeeping Skills Camp
• July 14 – Striking Skills Camp
Spots are limited—don’t wait! Register at the link in our bio!
Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your game with guidance from one of Iowa’s top soccer programs.
@menacesoccer94 thank you for partnering with us to offer Des Moines Prep students this opportunity.
If you’ve been near the school, you’ve probably noticed the enormous crane towering over the building. That’s because we’re lifting out the old rooftop HVAC units and bringing in brand-new VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems.
What does this mean for our students and staff?
No more sweltering classrooms in the summer or bundling up during those freezing Iowa winters. Our new system is all about efficiency, comfort, and consistency; keeping learning conditions just right, all year long.
And here’s another big win: VRF systems are super quiet. That means less background noise and more focus during lessons, reading time, and those all-important tests.
At Des Moines Prep, we’re investing in the future and that starts with creating a space where every Trailblazer can thrive.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build Des Moines Prep with quality and intention!
If you’ve been near the school, you’ve probably noticed the enormous crane towering over the building. That’s because we’re lifting out the old rooftop HVAC units and bringing in brand-new VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems.
What does this mean for our students and staff?
No more sweltering classrooms in the summer or bundling up during those freezing Iowa winters. Our new system is all about efficiency, comfort, and consistency; keeping learning conditions just right, all year long.
And here’s another big win: VRF systems are super quiet. That means less background noise and more focus during lessons, reading time, and those all-important tests.
At Des Moines Prep, we’re investing in the future and that starts with creating a space where every Trailblazer can thrive.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build Des Moines Prep with quality and intention!
At Des Moines Prep, a tight-knit learning environment means every student is seen, supported, and pushed to succeed.
📣 Less crowd, more connection
🎓 Individual attention and growth
💬 Real relationships with educators
At Des Moines Prep, a tight-knit learning environment means every student is seen, supported, and pushed to succeed.
📣 Less crowd, more connection
🎓 Individual attention and growth
💬 Real relationships with educators
✨ Curious about Des Moines Prep?
Join us at an upcoming event to meet Principal Matt Lakis, explore our curriculum, and learn how to enroll!
Ask questions, meet our team, and discover what makes our school different at one of these upcoming events:
📍 Virtual Event with iJAG – May 6, 7–8 p.m. on Zoom
Principal Matt Lakis and Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold, President and CEO of iJAG, share our plans for a comprehensive college and career prep curriculum for every Des Moines Prep student.
🔗 RSVP Here: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/events/open-house-5-06-2025/
📍 Valley Junction Farmers Market – May 15, June 26, July 24 from 4–8 p.m.
🔗 Event Details: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/events-calendar/
✨ Curious about Des Moines Prep?
Join us at an upcoming event to meet Principal Matt Lakis, explore our curriculum, and learn how to enroll!
Ask questions, meet our team, and discover what makes our school different at one of these upcoming events:
📍 Virtual Event with iJAG – May 6, 7–8 p.m. on Zoom
Principal Matt Lakis and Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold, President and CEO of iJAG, share our plans for a comprehensive college and career prep curriculum for every Des Moines Prep student.
🔗 RSVP Here: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/events/open-house-5-06-2025/
📍 Valley Junction Farmers Market – May 15, June 26, July 24 from 4–8 p.m.
🔗 Event Details: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/events-calendar/
Des Moines Prep x iJAG (@ijagrocks) = a future full of purpose.
From Day 1, we build a roadmap for success with college planning, real-world experiences, and leadership development.
“I am excited to share how we`re leveraging the strengths of both organizations to create a groundbreaking approach to postsecondary readiness in Des Moines by empowering students through career exploration, skill development, leadership, and work-based learning.” – Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold
This isn’t just high school. It’s your student’s launchpad. Join us on May 6th, virtually, to learn more about this partnership.
Read more about our iJag partnership here: https://www.businessrecord.com/des-moines-prep-ijag-announce-partnership/
RSVP for our May 6th Virtual event to meet Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold here: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/events/open-house-5-06-2025/
Des Moines Prep x iJAG (@ijagrocks) = a future full of purpose.
From Day 1, we build a roadmap for success with college planning, real-world experiences, and leadership development.
“I am excited to share how we`re leveraging the strengths of both organizations to create a groundbreaking approach to postsecondary readiness in Des Moines by empowering students through career exploration, skill development, leadership, and work-based learning.” – Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold
This isn’t just high school. It’s your student’s launchpad. Join us on May 6th, virtually, to learn more about this partnership.
Read more about our iJag partnership here: https://www.businessrecord.com/des-moines-prep-ijag-announce-partnership/
RSVP for our May 6th Virtual event to meet Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold here: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/events/open-house-5-06-2025/
Des Moines Prep’s Pathways program prepares students for life beyond high school.
1️⃣ Career Exploration — Students explore career paths through workplace visits, internships, and job shadowing.
2️⃣ Foundations of Professionalism — We teach professional communication skills, including active listening, and written and verbal communication.
3️⃣ Personal Finance — Students learn essential money management skills, from understanding financial terms to creating budgets and managing a checking account.
This isn’t just school.
It’s preparation for life.
🔗 Now enrolling tuition-free: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
Des Moines Prep’s Pathways program prepares students for life beyond high school.
1️⃣ Career Exploration — Students explore career paths through workplace visits, internships, and job shadowing.
2️⃣ Foundations of Professionalism — We teach professional communication skills, including active listening, and written and verbal communication.
3️⃣ Personal Finance — Students learn essential money management skills, from understanding financial terms to creating budgets and managing a checking account.
This isn’t just school.
It’s preparation for life.
🔗 Now enrolling tuition-free: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
At Des Moines Prep, students don’t just pass classes…they own their learning.
We challenge students to think critically, collaborate, and grow through:
✅ Advanced coursework
✅ Real-world projects
✅ Business Partnerships
✅ College & career prep
✅ Continuous feedback from teachers
This isn’t just school.
It’s preparation for life.
🔗 Now enrolling tuition-free: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
At Des Moines Prep, students don’t just pass classes…they own their learning.
We challenge students to think critically, collaborate, and grow through:
✅ Advanced coursework
✅ Real-world projects
✅ Business Partnerships
✅ College & career prep
✅ Continuous feedback from teachers
This isn’t just school.
It’s preparation for life.
🔗 Now enrolling tuition-free: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
🏀 Join the Des Moines Prep Basketball Team! 🏆
Dare to lead. Help us build a championship basketball team from the ground up!
✅ Shape our basketball program from day one
✅ Compete in local games and state-wide tournaments
✅ Be part of a team and build lasting friendships
✅ Develop your skills and achieve personal growth
Ready to make history? Be part of our founding team—apply today!
🔗 https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
🏀 Join the Des Moines Prep Basketball Team! 🏆
Dare to lead. Help us build a championship basketball team from the ground up!
✅ Shape our basketball program from day one
✅ Compete in local games and state-wide tournaments
✅ Be part of a team and build lasting friendships
✅ Develop your skills and achieve personal growth
Ready to make history? Be part of our founding team—apply today!
🔗 https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
Did you miss our “Meet the Team” event? Watch the recording of our fun and informative event to see Principal Matt Lakis interview some of the new members of the Des Moines Prep team:
Kate Leo, Founding Language Arts Teacher and Reading Interventionist
Nate Evans, Dean of Culture
Austin Hudson, Founding Math Teacher
You’ll also get a chance to meet Megan Woster, Dean of Academics.
Watch now via the link in our bio.
Did you miss our “Meet the Team” event? Watch the recording of our fun and informative event to see Principal Matt Lakis interview some of the new members of the Des Moines Prep team:
Kate Leo, Founding Language Arts Teacher and Reading Interventionist
Nate Evans, Dean of Culture
Austin Hudson, Founding Math Teacher
You’ll also get a chance to meet Megan Woster, Dean of Academics.
Watch now via the link in our bio.
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