Enrollment Now Open for Our Inaugural 9th Grade Class!
Press Kit
Mission and Vision
Too often, students are disengaged and feel their schools do little to help them gain relevant skills and experience to build fulfilling careers and lives. Not at Des Moines Prep.
We know that young people live in a rapidly changing world that requires them to learn in every situation, grow from every challenge, and tackle unsolved problems with courage and creativity. That’s why we provide our students with a strong foundation in academic excellence, career preparation, and community involvement that ensures they graduate with the skills, and a plan, to succeed.
Mission
To create an environment of excellence and joy where students develop the skills and values necessary to lead with ambition and purpose.
Vision
Fostering the next generation of visionary leaders who are best prepared to solve tomorrow’s challenges with integrity, empathy, and ambition.
Key Facts
Opening Date
August 2025
Grades Served
Enrolling 9th grade grade students and waitlisting 8th grade
Grade Capacity
150 students per grade
Location
106 East 6th Street,
Des Moines, IA 50309
Enrollment Details
Deadline: March 14, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Application Status Deadline: March 22, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Visit our application page for more information.
Contact Information
Matt Lakis, Principal of Des Moines Prep
Phone: (515) 499-4817
Email: info@desmoinesprep.org
Additional Media Contact
Kristie Bell, Wixted & Company
Phone: 515.988.8913
Email: kbell@thinkwixted.com
Staff Bios
Matt Lakis, Principal
Matt Lakis has more than a decade of experience and a track record of success in public education. As Principal of Woodward-Granger High School, he fostered an environment of high academic achievement, with students reporting emotional safety at nearly twice the state average and physical safety at 14% higher than the state average (2024 Conditions for Learning Survey).
Prior to Woodward-Granger, Matt worked in Des Moines Public Schools as an Associate Principal and Literacy Coach, and in Johnston Community Schools as a High School English Teacher and Teacher Leader. When he’s not serving his students and community, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and three children.
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Boilerplate
Des Moines Prep offers a learning experience that’s rooted in excellence and joy. Our approach to academics empowers thoughtful, engaged, and community-oriented students to discover and pursue the right path for their future success.
Logos
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Building Renderings
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Exterior of smokestack building
Classroom
Student union
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