When is the first day of school for 2017?

The first day of school for students is Wednesday, August 23, 2017. (NOTE: the first day of classes at the Downtown School is Wednesday, August 9, 2017)

When is the last day of school?

The last day of school for elementary and middle school students for the current school year will be May 30, 2018. The last day of school for high school students is May 31, 2018. Days are reserved at the end of the year for inclement weather make-up days. (NOTE: the last day of classes at the Downtown School is June 27, 2018.)

How do I enroll my child in the Des Moines Public School District?

New families should call the Enrollment Center to enroll their child at 242-7371. The district requests that new students have a physical examination and current immunizations prior to the first day of school. Children entering kindergarten must be five years old on or before September 15. Children entering first grade must be six years old on or before September 15. Visit the Enrollment & Registration page for more information.

What does Des Moines Public Schools offer for Preschool and Day Care?

There are several early childhood programs throughout the district. Please visit the Early Childhood section for more information.

What opportunities will my child have at Des Moines Public Schools?

The district has a wide variety of athletic, academic and fine arts programs for student involvement. Special academic programs are available for students from preschool age through twelfth grade. Please visit the Academics section for more information.

How many schools make up the District?

The Des Moines Public School District has 63 schools, including 38 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, 5 comprehensive high schools, and 10 schools that provide a range of specialized and alternative educational programs.

How do I contact my child’s school?

For the phone number, fax number, e-mail address and mailing address of your child’s school, please visit the Schools section.

Who are the members of the School Board?

Find a list of the members of the Des Moines Public School’s board, and access to meeting times and agendas, here.

How do I contact the School Board members?

School board members are available by phone, e-mail and at school board meetings. Contact information is listed on each member’s biography. Please visit School Board Members for a list of the members’ biographies.

A schedule of the school board meetings is available on the Board Meeting Schedule web page. If you wish to speak at a school board meeting, please call 515-242-7713 to sign up.

When and where are the School Board meetings?

School board meetings are held in the multi-purpose room on the second floor of Central Campus (1800 Grand Avenue in Des Moines). The meetings are also aired on DMPS-TV. For a schedule of school board meetings, please visit the Board Meeting Schedule web page.

How do I apply for a job with the District?

Jobs are posted on the district website under Jobs@DMPS.