Jun 12, 2025 - Education

How Des Moines wants to change and specialize schools

Des Moines Public Schools wants to offer "signature schools" where students can enroll in more specific subjects they're interested in.

Why it matters: DMPS says the program could help students become more workforce-ready after graduation.

State of play: The district surveyed students and parents and received 14,000 responses regarding what specialty programs they're interested in.

Surveys were gathered in April and May this year for students and families in grades three through 12.

The results: The top interests were STEM, career and technical education, medical/health sciences, arts, and Montessori.

Zoom in: Repurposed schools could include focusing on STEM at North, performing and visual arts at Moulton, and Montessori education at Jackson.

These schools would no longer offer traditional classes and would instead focus on their specialties. School officials also want to update classrooms in these aging buildings.

What's next: DMPS is considering a bond referendum in November to help fund the changes.

Go deeper: Read all of the proposed changes for schools on the district's site

More Des Moines stories