History of DMC
Throughout DMC’s 70+-year history our school has experienced God’s provision and protection as we’ve grown from 14 students learning in a church basement in Des Moines, to 1,271 students learning on our 26-acre campus in Urbandale. It all began with a visionary group of leaders from various churches interested in Christian education, gathering to prayerfully consider establishing a Christian school in Des Moines.
Our leaders frequently state that we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. DMC values our history and the generous gifts of time and resources given for decades. While many changes to our campus and programs have occurred, our mission remains rooted in our founding beliefs.
1948
DMC opened its doors to 14 students and one teacher, Ms. Ruth Norquist, in a church located at Beaver and Adams Ave. in Des Moines.
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1955
DMC moved to its own building located at 63rd and Franklin in Des Moines with seven teachers and 135 K-8 students.
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1980
DMC moves into the former Franklin Junior High School and shares facilities with First Federated Church for the next 25 years.
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1983
The school works toward its goal of establishing a high school with the addition of 9th grade.
1987
First graduating class receives DMC diplomas.
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1996
DMC purchases 26 acres in Urbandale to become our school's future home.
1998
Gym opens at Urbandale campus for DMC home athletic competitions.
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2003
DMC Votes to move K-12 students to new campus.
2005
Construction completed; DMC moves into Urbandale campus. 700 students are enrolled.
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2011
First international mission trip to the Dominican Republic.
2015
Athletic complex opens and the first home football game is held.
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2017-18 School Year
East end addition opens including the Performance Hall, STEAM labs, music and art rooms, and early education wing.
First year of independent middle school, 6th-8th grade.
First home track meet.
Enrollment reaches more than 1,000 students.
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2018-19 School Year
DMC athletics celebrates first state championship with the 2A boys golf team taking first place at state.
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2019-20 School Year
15th anniversary of Urbandale campus.
Great Room is renovated.
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2020-21 School Year
DMC approved as a CESA Member of Council.
DMC launches $29.5M Impact Tomorrow Today campaign.
DMC Endowment is established.
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2021-22 School Year
Middle School House structure is created.
Parent and Student Ambassador Program established.
Legacy Circle established.
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2022-23 School Year
DMC celebrates 75-year anniversary.
DMC values are established--Community in Christ, Growing with Christ, Loving like Christ.
$10.7M Middle/High School renovation and addition are complete and include a chapel, alumni light wall, social stairs, updated entrance, and STEAM classrooms.
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2023-24 School Year
DMC makes a historic land purchase for future growth of the school. The 104 acres of farmland were purchased from the Day family with a $7M gift from an anonymous donor.
Biblical Convictions for Christian Education foundational document established.
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2024-25 School Year
The Passing the Baton tradition begins as the senior class of 2025 passes the baton to the 2037 kindergarten class, signaling the next generation of students who will grow to impact the world for Christ.
The Impact Tomorrow Today campaign ends, having raised more than $28M to support strategic initiatives of the school.
Student-run HeBrews coffee cart is established with plans for future expansion and a permanent location in the new high school.
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