Central Academy has the top score on the 2013 Iowa AP Index. And for the first time ever, all five DMPS high schools are on the Index’s Top 50 list, compiled by the Belin-Blank Center at the University of Iowa to rank how well high schools provide students with the opportunity to take high-level Advanced Placement courses. Read and see more by clicking the headline.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey spent the morning at the DMPS agricultural campus, located near McCombs Middle School. Secretary Northey met with students in the award-winning FFA program, toured the greenhouse and animal barn, and visited classes. Read and see more about his visit by clicking the headline above.

Patrick Hiatt, a Roosevelt junior who studies math at Central Academy, is one of the nation’s top young mathematicians. Patrick was one of only 16 students to earn a perfect score on all three rounds of the 2012-2013 United States of America Mathematical Talent Search. And he’s the first DMPS student to ever do so. Click the headline to read more.

Think city kids don’t know agriculture? Think again! The Des Moines FFA Chapter had the top Ag Issues and Perceptions team at the Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference, currently underway in Ames. They will be representing Iowa at the National FFA Convention in Louisville next Fall. Click the headline to read more.

On Saturday, the Iowa Academy of Sciences will recognize Central Campus educator Kacia Cain as one of the top science teachers in the state. She is one of six educators to receive the Excellence in Science Teaching Award. Read more about her recognition, and her great work at Central Campus, by clicking the headline.

Alex Mallia was recently honored by the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival for her animated film entitled “Home,” earning a Silver Eddy Award along with a $1000 scholarship. Alex is a senior in the Central Campus Broadcasting and Film program.