Enrollment Now Open for Our Inaugural 9th Grade Class!
Application Process
Thank you for your interest in Des Moines Prep!
We are committed to providing your child with a rigorous education that will prepare them for success in and beyond college. Our admissions process begins with our Student Application.
Step 1:
Simply fill out our online application by submitting your student’s name and contact information, along with parent or guardian details before March 14, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. deadline.
Step 2:
Families will be notified of their student’s application status by no later than March 22, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. The following outcomes for an application are possible:
- Standard Acceptance
If we have not met our 150 student capacity, all student applications submitted before March 14, 2025 will be accepted. All future applications will be automatically “accepted” on a rolling basis until all remaining seats are filled. - Lottery: Accepted or Waitlisted
If we have exceeded 150 student applications by our deadline, by law, all student names will be entered into a blind lottery. If needed, our blind lottery will be held on March 21, 2025 and will only include applications submitted prior to the March 14, 2025 deadline.
On the day of the lottery, 150 students will be accepted and the remaining student names not drawn will be automatically added to our waitlist in order of the date they were submitted. Families will be notified within 24 hours of the lottery date and should confirm their desire to either stay on or be removed from the waitlist. More details regarding our lottery process will be shared on our website as we move closer to the March 14, 2025 deadline.
Step 3:
After receiving notification of acceptance, you will be invited to complete the enrollment package, which will include items such as health forms, transcripts, proof of residency, and other relevant documents. Submitting the enrollment forms in a timely manner will secure your student’s spot at Des Moines Prep.
If you have any questions, please contact Des Moines Prep at info@desmoinesprep.org or fill out the form below.
Ready to become a Des Moines Prep Trailblazer?
Who is eligible to enroll?
Des Moines Prep is currently accepting applications for 9th grade. Students must be residents of the state of Iowa.
Applications for students entering the 8th grade during the 2025-2026 school year will be automatically added to our waitlist. We will evaluate the feasibility of adding an additional 8th grade cohort to the 2025-2026 school year based on interest and available resources.
What are the admissions requirements?
Des Moines Prep welcomes all students who have a passion for learning and a desire to grow academically and personally. There are no academic prerequisites or selection criteria—our approach is inclusive, ensuring all students have the chance to access this high quality educational experience.
Is Des Moines Prep right for your student?
Des Moines Prep offers a dynamic and inclusive academic program designed to encourage learning, foster creativity, and support future success. Our program is perfect for students who:
- are passionate about exploring new ideas and subjects;
- strive to develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills;
- aspire to be accepted to college and pursue an ambitious postsecondary plan with confidence;
- seek a smaller school community while still maintaining access to college-level coursework and local community partners; and
- require a safe, orderly, and collaborative school culture rooted in community and high expectations for all.
What makes Des Moines Prep exceptional for students?
At Des Moines Prep, we are proud to provide the following resources and opportunities to support student success:
- Intensive Math and Reading Programs: We offer increased instructional minutes with focused support to help students build foundational skills and achieve academic excellence.
- Daily Advisory: Our 4-year advisories regularly monitor student progress toward grade-level benchmarks and serve as a consistent point of contact for students and families.
- College Preparation and Application Support: 4-years of guidance and resources help students navigate the college application process and plan for their future.
- Hands-on Learning Experiences: Each school year, students are required to complete 10 hours of practical experiences in community service, college readiness, career exploration, and co-curriculars.
- Exceptional Extracurricular Opportunities: Des Moines Prep is committed to excellence inside and outside of the classroom, including athletics and extracurriculars rooted in student interest. We believe that extracurricular experiences are vital to helping students feel connected, developing leadership, and identifying their passions.
- Private School Feel with No Cost to Families: At Des Moines Prep, we believe students thrive when they feel seen, heard, and valued. To achieve this, we foster a small-school environment that prioritizes building strong relationships with students and families. We are dedicated to knowing each student by name, along with their aspirations for the future. Our high expectations and student uniforms instill the foundations of professionalism and promote excellence in every aspect of school life.
What about extracurricular activities and sports?
Our offerings will continue to grow and expand each year as our student body grows and we learn more about student interests. With our world-class facilities and dedicated coaches and mentors, students will be empowered to establish and shape the programs that help define our school culture. If a student is interested in an activity that is not offered at Des Moines Prep, they will be able to access it at the school in their attendance zone, per IA Senate File 2368.
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Des Moines Prep does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law in its student admissions process.
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