Why Attend Des Moines Prep

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.