We are excited to welcome 9th grade students to Des Moines Prep in August 2025. Enrollment is currently open! Read this post to learn more about why we founded Des Moines Prep and the exciting things to come.

The Founding of Des Moines Prep
While Des Moines Prep offers a rigorous academic and college preparatory experience similar to that of a private school, it is a public school that is tuition free and available to any student.

Des Moines Prep is backed by Opportunity Education, a non-profit foundation that addresses the evolving educational needs of students. Our team believes that the way we educate students needs to adapt to keep up with our ever-changing world. Students need to be prepared to tackle today’s challenges as well as the unknown challenges they’ll face in the future. 

Des Moines Prep was founded to help address this need, and is committed to helping students develop the critical habits and skills that will allow them to succeed. Every one of our students learns how to communicate effectively, practice curiosity, and navigate challenges. 

Our curriculum and programs support our mission to create an environment of excellence and joy where students develop the skills and values necessary to lead with ambition and purpose through high school and beyond.

Located in the Historic East Village

We are so proud of our school’s location in the historic East Village neighborhood, right up the street from the city’s major businesses and industry leaders, and blocks away from the Iowa State Capitol Building. We are uniquely situated to provide our students with a front row seat to some of Iowa’s most successful business and civic leaders.

Construction is already underway to develop a state-of-the-art campus that will transform how students experience their high school education. Once completed, the community will have access to our top-notch facilities, including a theater, two-court gymnasium, and turf practice field. 

A Sneak Peek at What’s to Come

Check out the following renderings of Des Moines Prep to see what the future holds for our students and local community.

Exterior of building

The existing building is being renovated to provide a state-of-the-art, high-tech environment and will serve as the main entrance for visitors to Des Moines Prep. 

Future gymnasium

Our future gymnasium will house two full basketball courts and seat over 800 visitors. This is just one of the facilities that will be available to the community.

Classroom

Classrooms are flooded with natural light and set up to support collaborative learning as well as individual work.

Visit our application page for information about how to enroll at Des Moines Prep.