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Enrollment Now Open for Our Inaugural 9th Grade Class!

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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

Head shot photo of principal Matt Lakis

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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Full color Des Moines Prep logo on light background.

Full color Des Moines Prep logo on dark background.

Building Renderings

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Architectural rendering of the exterior of Des Moines Prep.

Exterior of smokestack building

Rendering of a Des Moines Prep classroom interior with students.

Classroom

Rendering of the Des Moines Prep student union interior.

Student union