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
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/
👋 Meet Megan, Dean of Academics at Des Moines Prep!
🎓 Experience
Megan brings 13 years of combined teaching and administrative experience in secondary education. She has taught High School English, Written Expression, Executive Functioning, and Career and College Readiness at a private high school in Arizona. For four of those years, she led as Director of Transition, guiding a team dedicated to supporting students in preparing for college and the workforce. Most recently, Megan has served as a high school administrator, currently holding the role of Head of High School. In this position, she has worked closely with educators to ensure strong instruction and student-centered learning.
❤️ About
Megan holds degrees in Psychology from the University of Iowa and Education from Upper Iowa University. Her leadership style is grounded in collaboration, empathy, and a deep belief in the power of quality instruction to transform student outcomes. She is also a Step Up to Writing Trainer and a Kagan Cooperative Learning Coach. These tools help her support teachers in creating dynamic, inclusive classrooms that elevate student voice and engagement.
📖 Book/Quote
“Teachers are the guardians of spaces that allow students to breathe and be curious and explore the world and be who they are without suffocation. Students deserve one place where they can rumble with vulnerability and their hearts can exhale.”
Brené Brown
🌆 Favorite thing about Des Moines?
Joining the founding team at Des Moines Prep and returning to her home state of Iowa feels like a dream come true for Megan. She’s eager to build meaningful relationships with students and staff while helping shape a school that prioritizes innovation, excellence, and joy in learning.
👋 Meet Megan, Dean of Academics at Des Moines Prep!
🎓 Experience
Megan brings 13 years of combined teaching and administrative experience in secondary education. She has taught High School English, Written Expression, Executive Functioning, and Career and College Readiness at a private high school in Arizona. For four of those years, she led as Director of Transition, guiding a team dedicated to supporting students in preparing for college and the workforce. Most recently, Megan has served as a high school administrator, currently holding the role of Head of High School. In this position, she has worked closely with educators to ensure strong instruction and student-centered learning.
❤️ About
Megan holds degrees in Psychology from the University of Iowa and Education from Upper Iowa University. Her leadership style is grounded in collaboration, empathy, and a deep belief in the power of quality instruction to transform student outcomes. She is also a Step Up to Writing Trainer and a Kagan Cooperative Learning Coach. These tools help her support teachers in creating dynamic, inclusive classrooms that elevate student voice and engagement.
📖 Book/Quote
“Teachers are the guardians of spaces that allow students to breathe and be curious and explore the world and be who they are without suffocation. Students deserve one place where they can rumble with vulnerability and their hearts can exhale.”
Brené Brown
🌆 Favorite thing about Des Moines?
Joining the founding team at Des Moines Prep and returning to her home state of Iowa feels like a dream come true for Megan. She’s eager to build meaningful relationships with students and staff while helping shape a school that prioritizes innovation, excellence, and joy in learning.
🏀 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.
👋 Meet Kate, Founding Language Arts Teacher and Reading Interventionist at Des Moines Prep!
📚 With 29 years of experience, Kate has taught in both public and private schools, including Johnston Community School District and Dowling Catholic High School. She served as a rhetoric instructor at the University of Iowa while earning her master’s degree.
❤️ For the past 15 years, Kate has specialized in supporting striving readers, working to ensure every student is empowered to choose their own path.
📖 Favorite Quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon with which you can change the world.” — Nelson Mandela
Kate brings deep expertise, high expectations, and a strong belief in equity to our academic program. She’s excited to help build a school where excellence is the norm and joy is everywhere. 🔥📘
👋 Meet Kate, Founding Language Arts Teacher and Reading Interventionist at Des Moines Prep!
📚 With 29 years of experience, Kate has taught in both public and private schools, including Johnston Community School District and Dowling Catholic High School. She served as a rhetoric instructor at the University of Iowa while earning her master’s degree.
❤️ For the past 15 years, Kate has specialized in supporting striving readers, working to ensure every student is empowered to choose their own path.
📖 Favorite Quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon with which you can change the world.” — Nelson Mandela
Kate brings deep expertise, high expectations, and a strong belief in equity to our academic program. She’s excited to help build a school where excellence is the norm and joy is everywhere. 🔥📘
Join Des Moines Prep, a school built for student success — and for educators who want to make a real impact. 🎓✨
Join our team!
✅ Co-create programming and systems as a founding staff member.📚
✅ Work alongside other positive, collaborative, mission-driven individuals.🤝
✅ Be empowered and supported to innovate for students. ✨
If you’re passionate about education and want to be part of something new, we’d love to meet you!
🔗 Visit our website to apply today: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/careers/
Join Des Moines Prep, a school built for student success — and for educators who want to make a real impact. 🎓✨
Join our team!
✅ Co-create programming and systems as a founding staff member.📚
✅ Work alongside other positive, collaborative, mission-driven individuals.🤝
✅ Be empowered and supported to innovate for students. ✨
If you’re passionate about education and want to be part of something new, we’d love to meet you!
🔗 Visit our website to apply today: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/careers/
When we think about career and college readiness, we think about helping students find the perfect fit.
That’s why our college and career prep programs start in the 9th grade. It takes time for students to explore their interests and options, and match them to their lifestyle, budget, and long-term career interests.
And we’re here to help and guide them. Every step of the way.
Enrolling now for August! 🔗 Learn more today: desmoinesprep.org
When we think about career and college readiness, we think about helping students find the perfect fit.
That’s why our college and career prep programs start in the 9th grade. It takes time for students to explore their interests and options, and match them to their lifestyle, budget, and long-term career interests.
And we’re here to help and guide them. Every step of the way.
Enrolling now for August! 🔗 Learn more today: desmoinesprep.org
Principal Matt Lakis shares the why behind school uniforms at Des Moines Prep.
From building community to creating a safe, focused environment —
our uniform policy supports all students.
Principal Matt Lakis shares the why behind school uniforms at Des Moines Prep.
From building community to creating a safe, focused environment —
our uniform policy supports all students.
“How can I apply to Des Moines Prep?”
It’s easy. Just fill out the form on our website.
Don’t delay! Our non-selective enrollment process is “first come, first served” and we have a 150 students-per-grade limit to ensure great student to teacher ratios.
Still have questions? Schedule some time to talk directly with Principal Matt Lakis here: www.desmoinesprep.org
“How can I apply to Des Moines Prep?”
It’s easy. Just fill out the form on our website.
Don’t delay! Our non-selective enrollment process is “first come, first served” and we have a 150 students-per-grade limit to ensure great student to teacher ratios.
Still have questions? Schedule some time to talk directly with Principal Matt Lakis here: www.desmoinesprep.org
👋 Meet Nate, Dean of Culture at Des Moines Prep!
🎓 Nate brings a wealth of experience from West Des Moines Community Schools and Des Moines Public Schools, where he’s served as a Social Emotional Behavior Specialist, SUCCESS Case Manager, At-Risk Coordinator, and Restorative and Safety Coordinator.
❤️ He’s deeply committed to helping students grow into strong, confident leaders through mentorship, community building, and a culture of care.
📖 Favorite Book: The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
🌆 Favorite thing about Des Moines? “It’s the best of both worlds — city energy and nature’s peace, all in one place.”
Nate brings energy, structure, and a whole lot of heart to our team — and we’re lucky to have him on board as we build something extraordinary.
👋 Meet Nate, Dean of Culture at Des Moines Prep!
🎓 Nate brings a wealth of experience from West Des Moines Community Schools and Des Moines Public Schools, where he’s served as a Social Emotional Behavior Specialist, SUCCESS Case Manager, At-Risk Coordinator, and Restorative and Safety Coordinator.
❤️ He’s deeply committed to helping students grow into strong, confident leaders through mentorship, community building, and a culture of care.
📖 Favorite Book: The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
🌆 Favorite thing about Des Moines? “It’s the best of both worlds — city energy and nature’s peace, all in one place.”
Nate brings energy, structure, and a whole lot of heart to our team — and we’re lucky to have him on board as we build something extraordinary.
Where Stars are Born!
If you love acting, singing, or working behind the scenes, we want you to help build the Des Moines Prep drama club!
✅ Build our drama program from day one
✅ Create lasting friendships with like-minded students
✅ Find your voice
✅ Experience what it feels like to be part of amazing productions
We can’t wait to watch you shine!
Apply today at the link in our bio. 🔗
Where Stars are Born!
If you love acting, singing, or working behind the scenes, we want you to help build the Des Moines Prep drama club!
✅ Build our drama program from day one
✅ Create lasting friendships with like-minded students
✅ Find your voice
✅ Experience what it feels like to be part of amazing productions
We can’t wait to watch you shine!
Apply today 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!
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!
Follow Us!