Des Moines Christian School's mission is equipping minds and nurturing hearts to impact the world for Christ.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked IA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 1,086 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Des Moines Christian School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Year Founded
1948
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
1,086 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
7%
State avg.: 16%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
93 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 13:1
Number of AP Courses
4 courses
Advanced Courses
Calculus, Chemistry, Literature & Composition, U.S. History
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
- At Des Moines Christian School, our mission is to equip minds and nurture hearts to impact the world for Jesus Christ. This mission has been going strong in central Iowa for over 70 years and and currently impacts over a thousand students each day. We seek to integrate our mission into every aspect of our school; academics, athletics, fine arts, leadership development and service.
- One of the things that makes DMCS so special is its sense of community. We have students, faculty, administrators, and families who embrace our mission and seek its growth in quality and effectiveness. Our teachers love each of their students well, and our educators enjoy tremendous support from our parents.
- We are united in mission, but recognize the incredible uniqueness of God's creation. If you walk into our facility or receive an email from us, you will notice the phrase, Many Minds, One Mission. We know that each child is a special creation of God; different in gifts, talents, and interests. Our faculty is committed to continuous growth and improvement to meets the needs of each of their students, so they in turn can develop unique gifting to not only reach their full potential, but impact the world around them for Christ.
- Des Moines Christian's greatest differentiator has always been an education that includes and seeks to honor Jesus Christ. You won't find perfect people or programs, but I think you will discover a community of Christ followers committed to academic and spiritual growth. And discover a pursuit of excellence here that is growing, changing, and improving the educational opportunities for our students, all for the glory of Christ.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Des Moines Christian School often compared to?
Des Moines Christian School is often viewed alongside schools like Ankeny Christian Academy by visitors of our site.
What is Des Moines Christian School's ranking?
Des Moines Christian School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Iowa for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Des Moines Christian School?
The application deadline for Des Moines Christian School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 9/22/2023
Our son attended DMCS from Kdg. through 12th grade. He is now an Orthopedic surgeon. He received an excellent faith-based education at DMCS as did his 2 brothers. Any classes not available at DMCS required for him to pursue his chosen field were available within the public schools for him to access while a student at DMCS, as well as Sports opportunities that he wanted to enjoy. Honors programs and varied sports programs have been added since he graduated. The value of a Christian education is immeasurable in my view producing future leaders with character, wisdom, and a solid faith-based knowledge base so critical in today's changing and challenging world.
5 5/17/2016
DMCS is a very warm and welcoming school... there are many good things about the environment. However, the upper level academics are lacking. There are few AP classes, no "honors" differentiated classes, and very little variety in most subjects.
It's also bothersome that in many cases, real science is not taught... things are generally presented from a "young earth" and literal six-day creation viewpoint, and science that falls outside of that is generally refuted, often with Answers in Genesis materials. It does STEM kids a disservice to have these limitations. Not trying to bash the school, but an honest concern to point out that it's not for everyone.
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