Railmen Robotics FIRST Tech Challenge 11391,12233 Science Bound Sisters for Success Upward Bound We the People Sports JV Show Choir Varsity Show Choir Volleyball Baseball Basketball Bowling Cross Country Football Golf Rugby Softball Swimming Soccer Tennis Track Wrestling Curriculum The school is on a system of "block" scheduling, which shortens the number of classes per day to four; however, each class is significantly longer than in years past. Each student is required to take eight classes with four on each day on an alternating schedule (referred to as "A" and "B" days). The school district requires students to take a number of core academic courses, including Social Studies, English, Mathematics, Science, Art, and Physical Education. The amount of academic credit needed to satisfy graduation requirements is determined by the school district. Many students also attend Central Academy and Central Campus in downtown Des Moines in order to acquire college credit and technical proficiency. All students are required by the district to enroll in four subject courses and a Physical Education course. However, the school compels lower-class students to schedule a full day of classes, in order to ensure satisfaction with district graduation requirements. Juniors and seniors have the option of having an "open period" during the first or last period of the school day. Seniors may have open periods during any period. However, juniors require parental permission to have an open period. The district requires four years of Physical Education. Freshmen and sophomores usually take their PE courses at the school. Juniors and seniors have the option of taking alternative PE programs, including a bowling class that requires students to commute to a nearby bowling alley. In compliance with state law, students with a full academic schedule can be made exempt from all PE requirements for that year, or allowed to perform self-study PE. Notable alumni Trevon Young, Professional Football Player Robert Johnson, Mr. Iowa Basketball in 1987, played at Iowa State Jordan Bernstine, Professional Football Player Victor Jackovich, former U.S. Ambassador to Boznia & Herzegovina Jerry Crawford (lawyer), lawyer Tanya Warren, Northern Iowa Women's Basketball Coach Christopher McDonald (jurist), Iowa Supreme Court Judge Tom Choi, Actor Kevin McCarthy Iowa Politician Pete Sterbick, College Football Coach Nicholas A. Klinefeldt, U.S. Attorney Corey Taylor, musician, frontman of Slipknot and Stone Sour (dropped out) See also Des Moines Independent Community School District for other schools in the same district List of high