DMC Announces Campaign for New High School Campus

Media Contact: Director of Marketing and Communications: Jessica Brown (515) 334-2257 jbrown@dmcs.org

DMC Announces Campaign for New High School Campus
High School Planned to Open in Fall 2027

July 28, 2026.  Des Moines Christian Schools is sharing more details about plans to develop a new high school campus in Urbandale. In 2024 the school purchased 104 acres of farmland, located less than one mile north of the current Urbandale campus, with a $7M gift from a generous donor. The school’s Build Today Plan for Tomorrow campaign is a multi-year initiative to fully develop the 104 acres, starting with a high school campus, planned to  open in the fall of 2027. The new high school campus is being funded entirely through generous philanthropic support as part of the Build Today Plan for Tomorrow campaign. The plan will deepen the experience for current students and provide for future generations. Learn more at dmcs.org/buildtoday.

Head of School Cade Lambert said, “Every generation has the opportunity to invest in the next one. This campus represents not only a commitment to our current families but also to the future of Des Moines Christian—a place where students receive a faith-based education that has the power to shape not only what students know, but who they become.”
 

The new high school building is purposefully designed around students’ developmental needs, empowering them to engage deeply, collaborate meaningfully, and grow both academically and spiritually. The school is designed to inspire learning and connection, with collaborative spaces, abundant natural light, and outdoor learning environments.

Additional features include 

• Expanded programming including additional college and career counseling, student support, the HeBrews Coffee Shop, and a wrestling program  

• Competition gymnasium featuring a college-sized basketball court and expanded bleacher seating for up to 2,000, serving as a central hub for chapel, assemblies, and athletics

• Dedicated spaces for wellness, music, and student activities

• In the future the campus will include athletic fields, community gathering spaces, and additional innovative learning environments. 

The new high school allows for expanded capacity in all school levels. DMC is now accepting inquiries for the 2027-28 school year for early education, elementary, middle and high school. 

Des Moines Christian School partnered with SVPA Architects, Opus as the general contractor, and Confluence to develop the master site plan. 

Des Moines Christian School was established in 1948 with the mission of equipping minds and nurturing hearts to impact the world for Christ. At the heart of this mission are the more than 1,600 students and 75 teaching faculty that shape the culture of our campus. In addition to our K-12 programs in Elementary, Middle School and High School, DMC offers Early Education programs for two-year-olds through preschool-aged children. Des Moines Christian School is Independently Accredited for K-12th grade by the State of Iowa. Learn more at dmcs.org.