early on in the process. On January 11, 2016, U. S. senator and democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders gave a speech and held a Q&A in Hoover's Denis Hildreth auditorium. Curriculum Beginning in the 2008-2009 school year, Hoover began block scheduling. Each day includes four blocks approximately 80 minutes in length. This allows for a longer teaching time and also for the students to receive a 45-minute lunch. The days are split into alternating green and gold days, which alternate every other day for a total of eight classes every two days. Many students also attend Central Academy and Central Campus in downtown Des Moines in order to acquire college credit and technical proficiency. In 2014, Hoover became an International Baccalaureate world school, and also consistently ranks within the top 50 in the state of Iowa's AP Index compiled by the University of Iowa. Additionally, Hoover has been awarded a grant from the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council to enhance several programs. In 2015, Hoover was awarded the STEM BEST grant for the South Central region by the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council to further establish educational opportunities for students. Earlier in the year, World Food Prize speakers also came to lecture and engage students as well. Students are required to take at least three years of all core classes. PE is only required for four semesters. Additionally, a number of electives are available for students within the curriculum. The district annually decides how many credits a student must earn to graduate. Notable alumni Randall Balmer (Class of 1972) – Dartmouth College department of religion chair Bruce Brubaker (Class of 1978) – musician and professor at the New England Conservatory of Music Eric Cooper (Class of 1985) – MLB umpire, multiple no-hitter games overseen Joe Dykstra (Class of 1978) – professional basketball player Jeremy Hellickson (Class of 2005) – MLB pitcher and 2019 World Series Champion See also Des Moines Independent Community School District for other schools in the same district. List of high schools in Iowa References External links Des Moines Public Schools Homepage Herbert Hoover High School Homepage Hoover Challenger Online - Hoover's Student-Run Newspaper Schools in Des Moines, Iowa Public high schools in Iowa Iowa High School Athletic Association 1967 establishments in Iowa Educational institutions established in 1967