Applications Now Open for the 2026-2027 School Year!
What is a Trailblazer?
Our Mission
Join a school focused on excellence and joy, where students develop the skills and values necessary to lead with ambition and purpose.
The Des Moines Prep Difference
Exceptional Teachers, Real Results
We hired some of the best educators in the country and we are prepared to help every student succeed. You won’t find a better quality education from a public school.
A Safe, Calm Environment
Our small high school size means every student is known and supported. We are also the only school in the city to use Evolv Express weapons detection technology to keep students out of harms way.
Real-World Learning, Real-Life Schedule
Hands-on learning through field studies and internships, plus extended campus hours and early-release Fridays to fit your family’s life.
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 talk to one of our staff by 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
Get an Inside Look and See the Trailblazer Spirit!
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.
It was a big week for Trailblazer athletics! Whether in the pool or on the court, our student-athletes are demonstrating the excellence and competitive drive that define Des Moines Prep.
Huge congratulations to our basketball team for securing our school’s second win of the week. Their hard work and teamwork are truly paying off on the court. Over in the pool, we are so proud of Fletcher for his standout performance at the conference swim meet in Ames. He took first place in his heat and is projected for a top 15 overall time in the 100 freestyle!
It was a big week for Trailblazer athletics! Whether in the pool or on the court, our student-athletes are demonstrating the excellence and competitive drive that define Des Moines Prep.
Huge congratulations to our basketball team for securing our school’s second win of the week. Their hard work and teamwork are truly paying off on the court. Over in the pool, we are so proud of Fletcher for his standout performance at the conference swim meet in Ames. He took first place in his heat and is projected for a top 15 overall time in the 100 freestyle!
School Choice Week is about one thing: students getting the education they deserve.
Many students feel stuck in large, underperforming systems—
unseen, unchallenged, and settling for less than their potential.
At Des Moines Prep, we do things differently.
• A supportive, high-expectations environment that prepares students for real success
• A school where students are known, challenged, and empowered
• A community that truly cares about each student’s future
Because students shouldn’t have to settle for less than the best education.
Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are now open for 8th, 9th, and 10th grade.
Apply by March 1, 2026 to secure your spot.
Apply Today: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
#schoolchoiceweek #desmoines
School Choice Week is about one thing: students getting the education they deserve.
Many students feel stuck in large, underperforming systems—
unseen, unchallenged, and settling for less than their potential.
At Des Moines Prep, we do things differently.
• A supportive, high-expectations environment that prepares students for real success
• A school where students are known, challenged, and empowered
• A community that truly cares about each student’s future
Because students shouldn’t have to settle for less than the best education.
Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are now open for 8th, 9th, and 10th grade.
Apply by March 1, 2026 to secure your spot.
Apply Today: https://www.desmoinesprep.org/apply/
#schoolchoiceweek #desmoines
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