DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines Prep opened its doors this week as the first charter school in the city. 

It’s located between SE 5th and 6th Street in the East Village, built inside a 90-year-old building. They renovated it with large windows creating classrooms and openness. Their goal was to make it feel like a state university or corporate building. 

In their inaugural year, they have about 125 students right now with a capacity of 150. About 2/3 are 9th graders, with the rest being 8th graders.

Des Moines Prep is tuition free, and there aren’t requirements to be accepted. That means there are students from all over the metro area enrolled. It is a public school, but is also partially funded by Opportunity Education Network, a nonprofit founded by Chicago Cubs owner Joe Ricketts.  

As a college-prep school, their goal is to prepare their students for the future.

“We talk to our families about this. This is that private school feel without the tuition. We’re completely tuition free, and we accept all students,” Des Moines Prep Principal Matt Lakis said. “And that’s really important because families deserve choices and options because they know what’s best for their student. That small community, it’s safe, it’s more structured and really, it’s focused towards the future, which gets kids excited to come to school every day.”

Being in a brand-new school, in a newly renovated building has perks, and maybe comes with some bragging rights. 

“Yes, it’s cool because we’re going to be the first here and the first to leave,” Des Moines Prep 9th grader Kahziah Williams said.

“And I can be like to everybody, ‘you know, I was the first to graduate Des Moines Prep.’”

“It’s cool to have this kind of building and be the first charter school, and also the first Des Moines school to open up in a while,” 8th grader Beckham Tiry-Ortiz said. “So, it’s also really cool to be a part of this experience and make history with Des Moines Prep.”

The school will also be offering the typical extracurricular activities as well athletics and arts. Next year, next to the school building, they’re going to be building a gym, theater and a field. 

Des Moines Prep is still accepting students. For more information visit DesMoinesPrep.org.