Options Academy-DSM

Community partners are key to our success. The support of the United Way continues to help us provide positive outcomes for students. Thank you to the United Way!!

Helping Students Find Their Way Forward Discover how United Way of Central Iowa supports students facing challenges on their path to graduation through innovative re-engagement programs and personalized support.

Pictures from graduation yesterday! Thank you to Phil, Jon, and Kyle with the DMPS Communications team. Their work is always amazing and appreciated.

Options Academy Commencement - Class of 2026 After awarding nearly 120 diplomas at their Winter commencement in January, Options Academy celebrated another 90 members of the Class of 2026 during their Spring commencement ceremony at Hoyt Sherman Place. It was the first of eight graduation ceremonies at Des Moines Public Schools over the Memori...

If you couldn’t make it to the ceremony this morning check it out here.

https://youtu.be/8VOvykwZNCY

2026 Options Academy Spring Commencement Ceremony 2026 Options Academy Spring Commencement CeremonyMay 22, 2026Hoyt...

The stage is set. See you soon graduates!!

Tomorrow’s the big day! We can’t wait to celebrate graduates in the morning at Hoyt Sherman🎓

Cap and Gown pick-up is underway! Graduates, please come to Kurtz between 9 am and 3 pm to get your tickets and your cap and gown. See you Friday!!

We wouldn’t be able to remove barriers without the support of the United Way! They are direct partners for Options Academy and we are so thankful for them.

More students are graduating and it’s not by accident.

Des Moines Public Schools saw a five-point increase for the Class of 2025, showing what happens when students are supported from every angle — in school, at home, and across the community.

Mentors, after-school programs, basic needs support, career pathways… it all adds up.

Read the full story:
🔗 https://www.unitedwaydm.org/news/the-web-of-support-helping-more-students-graduate

Congratulations to one of the best! Jon Knapp McAlister was recognized by the Rotary Club of Des Moines as an Educator of the Year for 2026!! Congrats Jon!

Looking for a summer internship. Check out our partners at the Y-Achievers and consider their Youth Leaders-in-Training program

Looking for a Summer experience that provides opportunities to gain new skills while also having fun and earning some extra coin? Look no further than our Summer Youth Leaders-in-Training program! Back for our second summer, this opportunity is perfect for anyone ages 14-17 interested in careers in youth development. Applications are now open and will be accepted through Friday, March 13.

Click the link below to make your Summer LIT!🌞🔥🔥🔥
https://forms.gle/ZasHhQNgDx5jZZW1A

Another grad today!!! MJ has worked so hard to make this happen. In December she wanted to quit. She didn’t give up, kept putting in the work, and today it paid off! Congrats MJ!!