DSST CIRCUIT

When Aurora Science & Tech High School opened its doors, it didn't have a long history, a legacy of alumni, or decades of tradition. What it had was a group of students willing to help build something from the ground up.

Ashlee's Story of Family Legacy, Love, and a Future in Pediatric Nursing

The Class of 2026 has done it. Every DSST senior has been admitted to college or a postsecondary program. It’s a milestone that reflects not only academic achievement, but years of resilience, mentorship, and community support. From first‑generation college goers to students pursuing skilled trades...

At DSST Public Schools, we’ve always believed every student deserves access to a transformational education: one that prepares them for college and the 21st century. For more than 20 years, our middle and high schools have helped students thrive in college, careers, and life.

April is Neurodiversity Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate the full range of human minds and the unique strengths each person brings to our community. Across DSST, that celebration isn't confined to a single month. It shows up every day, in classrooms, on mountain slopes, on stages, and on yoga...

 A new DSST Public Schools initiative to ensure every new educator is known, supported, and empowered to thrive

At DSST, we believe that thriving teachers lead to thriving students. That's why we launched a New Educator Mentorship Program Pilot this spring at four DSST campuses: College View High...

Meet Damian, athlete and DSST: College View Senior, now headed to college this fall.

From the Football Field to a College Campus

Damian plays football for Sheridan High School and has spent two years developing the discipline and drive that now fuel his academic ambitions. His passion for the game...

There's a poem Chad Heltzel wrote more than 15 years ago that almost never saw the light of day. It sat in a dissertation, then in a manuscript, then in a drawer - revised, resubmitted, rejected and nearly abandoned. Last September, it was finally published. The collection, Recording of Dead...

"It's not a hobby, it's my life.” — Jayden Gamboa, DSST: Green Valley Ranch Senior

Some students come to DSST knowing exactly who they are. Jayden Gamboa is one of them.

A proud seven-year DSST Raptor, Jayden carries a story that stretches across generations, borders, and open pastures — and he's...

On a bright afternoon filled with pride, gratitude and a whole lot of joy, the DSST: Elevate Northeast community gathered to celebrate something truly extraordinary - the official opening of the Elevate Library, a space imagined, shaped and championed by students.

Emily didn't arrive at interest in midwifery by accident. She traces it back to something she noticed as a little girl: the long, curved scar on her mother's abdomen.Her mother had two C-sections — one for Emily, one for her younger sister. Both children were breech, and with the second birth, the...

There's a question that sits at the heart of Savianna Gonzales-Wagner's work at DSST: Elevate High School:Do my students know they're wanted here?It sounds simple. It isn't. And for Gonzales-Wagner, an Apprentice Teacher in her first year at Elevate, answering that question - every single day, for...

On Saturday, March 21, DSST students lit up CSU Spur with their brilliance at our third annual STEM & Creative Core Showcase! The event brought together students, educators, families, and industry partners for a day filled with curiosity, creativity, and hands‑on STEM exploration.

Taking the Risk — and Watching It Pay Off

She walked through the doors of DSST: Montview as a 6th grader with a love of art and a dream of a career in New York City. Seven years later, she's walking out as a Gates Scholarship finalist, a Northwestern University admit, and one of the most...

DSST Public Schools and Colorado School of Mines have taken a major step forward in expanding STEM opportunities for Colorado students. The two institutions have announced a new guaranteed admission pathway that will give qualifying DSST graduates a direct route into one of the nation’s top STEM...

She grew up in Green Valley Ranch (GVR), the same neighborhood where she would one day teach. She sat in the same kinds of classrooms where she would later stand at the front. And when she crossed the stage to receive her doctoral degree, she did it knowing she wasn't walking alone. She was carried...

Taking the Risk — and Watching It Pay Off

When Irvin Gonzalez first walked through the doors of DSST: Cole Middle School in sixth grade, he didn't know a single person. He was nervous, unsure, and stepping into something completely new.

A Fresh Start, A New BeginningZariah Russell's story begins with a bold move from North Las Vegas to Colorado during her sophomore year. "At my old school, no teachers really helped us out," Zariah reflects. "There was no tutoring like Elevate has."The difference was immediate and transformative....

Celebrating Black History Month by spotlighting Nyjah Munn, a DSST: Conservatory Green High School senior whose passion for engineering is shaping the future.

There's a moment that changed everything for Nyjah Munn, DSST: Conservatory Green ‘26. He was riding home from a summer camp, holding a...

Every day, Salvador Ramirez shows up to work at the DSST Home Office with a clear sense of purpose: to build something better.

As a first-generation student at DSST: Montview, college felt like a distant possibility for Perla Bustillos Gutierrez, not a guaranteed next step. But, through guidance, encouragement, and consistent support, Bustillos Gutierrez, Class of 2014, came to see that a four-year college was within...

When we talk about great teaching, we often describe it through frameworks, videos or carefully curated examples. But the reality of teaching lives in the middle of a lesson, with real students, real curriculum and real decisions unfolding moment by moment.

At DSST: Elevate Northeast High School, Raul Castillo Ontiveros teaches more than AP Spanish. He teaches students to see themselves as bilingual scholars. He teaches them that the language they already speak at home, the one they might have been told to leave at the door, is actually their...

DSST Public Schools is proud to celebrate ten outstanding seniors who have earned full-ride scholarships to some of the nation's top universities through theQuestBridge National College Match.

And after nearly eight years at DSST, science teacher Laurie Pochette (pictured far right) found something rare in education: a place where she can grow, lead and make a lasting impact without ever leaving the classroom."My unwavering commitment to the communities we serve anchors my work,"...

Our 2025 Winter Carnival was an unforgettable celebration! Students from Center Programs across the DSST network came together for an afternoon filled with music, joyful games, creative crafts, tasty treats and the always-popular moon bounce!

At DSST Public Schools, preparing students for college isn't just about academics; it's about opening doors to careers that can change students’ futures. That's where DSST STEM Pathways come in.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, our DSST: Cole campus hosted their Cole Winter Wonderland Craft & Community Fair. They welcomed families from all over the area for a festive day packed with fun activities, including a hot chocolate bar, shopping from local vendors - including DSST families - and adorable...

Meet Kathy, a first-generation American whose four sons all graduated from DSST.

Kathy Duda experienced the richness of an ethnically diverse school from a young age. As the daughter of Polish immigrants in Chicago, she attended Polish school on Saturdays, but spent weekdays at her neighborhood...

Sandra Ross remembers sixth grade clearly. Sitting with her advisor at DSST: Green Valley Ranch Middle School, on the verge of tears, working so hard yet still building her reading skills. It was frustrating. It was vulnerable. And it shaped everything that came after.

When you ask the DSST: Green Valley Ranch High School College Success Team what they’re most proud of, their answers reveal a deep commitment to students, families and the power of opportunity through college access. They are one team out of many across our network, all working towards ambitious...

In seventh-grade classrooms across DSST, November means more than turning the calendar page. It's a moment to pause, to listen and to learn from voices that have too often been silenced or simplified in education. At DSST: Aurora Science & Tech (AST) Middle School, English Language Arts teacher...

There's a specific kind of connection that happens when a teacher knows a family so well that the younger siblings show up already believing in what's possible. When a student walks into your classroom and you've already taught their cousin, their older brother. When you don't just know the...

In Josh Wright’s Algebra 2 class, missing a linear equation question during Do Now practice comes with an unexpected accountability measure: students start apologizing, not to Wright, but to Mr. Barraza, who teaches down the hall.

There are two stages in Adamaris Gutierrez's life right now. One is lit by spotlights, where she moves with precision and grace as a professional dancer with ArtistiCO Dance Company. The other is quieter, with lecture halls, lab tables and textbooks stacked high, where she's building the foundation...

Thirteen years is long enough to know a network’s rhythms. Long enough to stop reinventing systems every August and start seeing patterns before they emerge. Long enough to recognize that the real work of teaching is in the space that opens up when logistics finally become second nature.

At DSST: Montview Middle School, STEM Lab teacher Bryce Enger is leading students through a curriculum designed to do more than check off science standards. His class, along with all other middle school STEM Lab courses, align directly with the pathways offered at DSST high schools, exposing...

Peek into a DSST classroom, and you'll find students fully immersed in programming drones to navigate obstacle courses, designing solutions on 3D modeling software, and building robotic systems that respond to their commands. This isn't a special event, this is a STEM Lab classroom, where DSST...

We hosted our loved Learn S'More community resource fair on Oct. 23, and we're so grateful to all the families and community members who joined us to explore DSST and connect with the amazing resources right here in your neighborhoods.

Middle school is when everything changes. When friendships shift overnight. When a student discovers they're good at something they never knew existed. It's messy, electric and full of possibility.

Ask four school directors what leadership means in 2025, and you won't get the same answer twice. But spend time in their schools, watch how they move through hallways, listen to how they talk about students, notice what they celebrate and you'll start to see something deeper than words can capture.

There's a kind of leadership that doesn't announce itself with fanfare. It shows up early, stays late, and finds joy in the small, steady work of making schools better, one conversation, one decision, one percent at a time. At four of DSST's high schools, that's exactly the kind of leadership...

There's a moment that happens in classrooms across DSST, a moment that can't be scripted or manufactured. It's when a teacher anticipates exactly where a student will stumble before they do. When they reference a lesson from two years ago that connects perfectly to today's challenge. When they know...

This week, for National Principals Month, we are spotlighting three middle school leaders who show up every day to build learning communities where students can grow, where they can belong, where they can thrive.

The Round 1 SchoolChoice window for the 2026-2027 will now begin in early December, which is over a month earlier than last year. As you navigate this important step in securing the best educational match for your child, this FAQ will guide you through key details about the lottery system and how...

October is National Principals Month. Throughout the month, we will be celebrating our school directors in our Feature Fridays, and we are kicking it off by highlighting our two incredible leaders who are new to DSST but already making a lasting impact: Emily Felsenthal, School Director at DSST:...

Engineering teacher Alex Haserodt is the kind of educator who makes you feel seen, supported and inspired whether you’re a student navigating middle school or a colleague growing in your craft. At DSST: College View Middle School, Alex’s work as a STEM teacher, house leader and curriculum designer...

At the heart of DSST College View’s Pre-Med Club is a story of resilience, representation, and radical hope. Jimena Jimenez, a College View student leader with a dream of becoming a physician, has transformed a simple idea into a thriving community, one that uplifts, educates and empowers students...

At DSST: Cole Middle School, Tyler Randolph is the kind of educator who makes you say, “I hope I get to work with him forever.” Now in his seventh year at Cole, Tyler continues to grow, evolve, and inspire, all while keeping things grounded with his signature steady and mature presence.

At Aurora Science & Tech High School, Spanish teacher and cross-country coach Eunice Torres (affectionately known as Profe Torres) is more than just a teacher. To her colleagues and students, she’s a source of energy, encouragement, and consistency who makes AST HS a joyful place.

DSST Public Schools is excited to announce that 15 of our 16 schools have earned a Green rating on Colorado’s preliminary School Performance Framework (SPF), the highest number of Green schools in DSST history!

DSST kicked off the 2025-26 school year with a clear focus: thriving students, thriving communities, and thriving staff. 

This summer, DSST’s newest educators had the chance to see the future through the eyes of their students. For the first time ever, as part of the New Educator Institute, incoming staff visited the University of Denver (DU), a unique opportunity designed to bring DSST’s mission to life outside the...

DSST Public Schools continue to set the bar for academic excellence, with all six eligible high schools landing in the top 8% of schools nationwide, according to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. Zooming in on Colorado, every DSST high school is ranked among the top 10 public schools in...

On Saturday, Aug. 9, DSST Public Schools welcomed the beginning of a new school year with a joyful afternoon full of music, fun, connection, and celebration. Our second annual Welcome Back Bash brought together families, students, and staff from across DSST for a day that reminded us what makes our...

By Nella Garcia Urban, CEO of DSST Public SchoolsIt has been an absolute dream to have our students back in school the past two days. These photos illuminate the joy, readiness and opportunity in a very strong start to the school year. 1. The Doors Open: Welcome to a Year of Possibility

On Tuesday, August 5, DSST Public Schools staff came together for our annualInfusion event, and let’s just say, the energy was off the charts! From heartfelt moments to school cheer battles, it was the perfect way to kick off the 2025–26 school year. 🍎

🎉 We celebrated our people, including...

From record-breaking participation to historic championship wins, the 2024–2025 school year was a landmark season for DSST Athletics. Across our campuses, student-athletes, coaches, and communities came together to build something truly special—one game, one practice, and one moment at a time.

At DSST Public Schools, students participate in enriching programs that spark curiosity beyond the classroom—and even beyond Earth’s surface. Programs like CubeSat give students the opportunity to apply science, math and technology skills to analyze real-world factors like temperature, altitude,...

Late-night Instagram scrolling isn’t usually where leadership breakthroughs happen, but for Lindsay Agbalokwu, a School Director in Training (SDiT), that’s exactly where one started.

For Jadyn Nguyen, a 2019 graduate of DSST: Green Valley Ranch High School, identity isn’t just about where you come from—it’s about how you grow, who supports you and what you give back.

What started as a brainstorm over winter break has grown into one of the most successful high school composting program launches in Denver Public Schools' history, and it’s all thanks to a group of determined students, a visionary teacher and a community committed to building a healthier future.

At DSST: College View High School, multilingual learners are not just learning a new language—they’re using it to make sense of the world and speak up within it.

The college journey can feel overwhelming at first—but it’s also an opportunity to discover your passions, your purpose, and your potential. For Javier Martinez, a member of DSST: Elevate's founding Class of 2025, it’s been a chance to reflect, grow, and dream big.

"The college process is really...

Written by: Isabel Reyes, 10th‑Grade Chemistry Teacher, DSST: Green Valley Ranch High School

For Leonard Aragon, a senior at DSST: College View High School, the path from middle school to graduation has been full of growth, discovery and purpose.

“I've been going to DSST since sixth grade, and it flew by,” he said. “Honestly, I can remember like it was yesterday, walking through the middle...

Written by: Fortunate Madueke, DSST: Green Valley Ranch - Class of 2025

To my community, DSST is more than just a school—it is a safe place for survival. It is considered by many to be the “Harvard” of public schools, not because it is exclusive but because it sets the highest standards and...

Over Spring Break, a group of DSST juniors had the exciting opportunity to visit college campuses across the country through DSST’s Early Exposure Program (DEEP). Based on their college preferences, students traveled to Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Participants were selected for their academic...

At DSST: Montview High School, opportunity meets purpose — and for senior Sarah Hourani, that intersection has sparked something extraordinary.

“I feel like I've been exposed to a lot of great opportunities, and it's been really awesome to just be a part of the community. I think that's really what...

The room is quiet. A single voice rises—clear, unshaken, or maybe it’s trembling just slightly. And then, another. One by one, they speak their truths aloud. In a world that often asks students to keep their heads down, three students at DSST: Green Valley Ranch High School are standing up,...

At DSST, creativity comes in many forms. For Afomya Eshete (DSST: Green Valley Ranch ‘25), art is more than just a hobby—it’s a connection to her heritage, a way to stay rooted in her culture, and a source of pride.

Afomya has been part of the DSST: Green Valley Ranch community since seventh grade,...

On Saturday, March 15, STEM genius was surely showcased! Our third annual DSST STEM and Creative Core Showcase at CSU Spur brought together students, industry partners, educators, and families to ignite curiosity and deep learning in STEM.

Internships provide more than just a resume boost—they shape futures, build confidence, and inspire change. For Jacqueline Choate, a student at DSST: Montview High School, her internship at Bluff Lake Nature Center was an opportunity to step into the world of wildlife conservation, take on real...

March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the incredible contributions women have made throughout history and continue to make today. What began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978 as Women’s History Week soon gained national recognition, expanding to a month-long...

Sienna Gaal started thinking about college earlier than most—back in eighth grade at DSST: Cedar Middle School. But even she didn’t expect to apply to 31 schools. Now, as a high school senior, the hardest part is waiting for responses.

Her journey has been shaped by the tight-knit community she...

One hundred percent college acceptance. For many, those words represent a dream come true, but for Jesus Marquez Estrada (DSST: Cole ‘25), they became the spark that ignited a fierce determination to succeed.DSST: Cole has been more than just a school for Marquez Estrada, it’s been a place where...

When Zach Nesby (DSST: Conservatory Green ‘25) started middle school, he wasn’t thinking about college. But his mom was. She chose DSST for its rigorous academics and college prep, believing it would open doors for her son.

“She thought there would be more opportunities,” Zach said. And she was...

At DSST: Cedar, the Black Girl and Black Boy Brunches are far more than just gatherings—they are powerful, transformative experiences that give Black students the chance to feel seen, celebrated and uplifted in ways that are all too often missing from traditional school spaces. These brunches have...

At DSST Public Schools, a diploma is just the beginning of a journey toward lasting success. The mission goes beyond academic achievement—it's about preparing students for a future of opportunity. A recent study by the Charter School Growth Fund reveals just how far DSST students go to turn their...

When Matthew Telles walked through the doors of DSST: Green Valley Ranch in 2010, he wasn’t just another sixth-grader starting middle school—he was a founding student. The weight of that title settled on his young shoulders as he and his classmates set out to build something special, something...

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud that our diverse Board of Directors reflects the communities we serve. This Black History Month, we are honored to highlight our Black-identifying board members, whose leadership, expertise, and dedication help guide our schools toward greater equity and...

We've put together some helpful resources and information for you as we prepare for next week's transition to a new president. If you have any questions or would like clarification, feel free to reach out to your school leadership or the front office team. We're here to help!

We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our 2025 QuestBridge Match Scholars. Ten seniors from across the DSST network have been recognized for their hard work, dedication and academic excellence by being awarded full-ride scholarships to some of the nation’s most prestigious...

At DSST Public Schools, we understand that life happens and sometimes students need to miss school. However, attendance is a critical part of academic success, and we’re here to help clarify what qualifies as an excused absence and how to navigate attendance challenges.

Continuing family traditions and customs during the holiday season is a powerful way to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. Whether it's decorating the tree together, sharing a special meal or telling stories passed down through generations, these rituals offer a sense of continuity and...

Our third annual Winter Carnival was pure joy! Students from our Center Programs across the DSST network came together for a fun-filled day of music, games, crafts, delicious treats and the crowd favorite—a moon bounce! This year even featured special guest Dinger, the mascot for the Colorado...

At DSST Public Schools, our mission to disrupt systemic inequities in STEM education drives everything we do. A shining example of this commitment can be found at DSST: Elevate High School, where a tech internship is opening doors for students to explore STEM careers and discover their passions.

On Oct. 29, DSST: College View buzzed with energy as students explored a world of career possibilities at the school’s first STEM-focused Career Fair. With representatives from more than 20 Denver agencies—ranging from aviation and public health to the Denver Fire Department and city attorneys—the...

November is designated as Native American Heritage Month to honor the history, culture and contributions of Native Americans and Alaska Natives. In this conversation, Senior Manager of Diversity and Belonging Mercedes Blea-Davis had the opportunity to speak with Crystal DeLeon, Special Education...

At DSST Public Schools, education is more than academics—it's a launchpad for students to discover their passions, achieve their goals, and prepare for life’s opportunities. As families prepare for SchoolChoice, we’re excited to share the top five reasons why DSST continues to stand out. See how...

On Nov. 5, seniors from DSST: Elevate took a memorable trip to Colorado College in Colorado Springs. For many, this was more than just a campus tour—it was a chance to envision their next chapter.

For Alysyn Merrill, co-leader of the Entrepreneurial Studies (E-Ship) program at DSST: Green Valley Ranch High School, teaching isn’t just about covering curriculum—it’s about sparking ambition, resilience and creativity in her students. Through the E-Ship classes, Merrill empowers students to...

At DSST Public Schools, we're especially proud that around 70% of our seniors are first-generation college-bound students. Nearly 2,700 of our alumni have paved this remarkable path. In honor of National First-Generation Day (Nov. 8), we spoke with three members of our Diversity, Equity, and...

It may be 8 a.m. at a middle school, but when you step into the Band Club at DSST: Conservatory Green, you can feel the energy. Students are eagerly chatting, tuning instruments, and getting ready to play, each one excited about the music they’re about to create. For Dave Balestrini, the club’s...

October is National Principals Month, and at DSST Public Schools, we’re lucky to have a lineup of incredible school directors who bring heart, energy and vision to our schools every day.

This Latine* Heritage Month, Salvador Ramirez, DSST Senior Manager Of Equity, Inclusion, Strategy And Implementation, had the opportunity to sit down with one of our network leaders, Margarita Colindres, to ask her questions about her Latine identity and the work she is doing that primarily...

About 35% of students at DSST Public Schools are Multilingual Learners (MLL), and many have additional needs when it comes to proficiency in literacy. DSST believes that every student deserves equitable and excellent education. That is why we have dedicated Literacy Interventionists who work to...

We are thrilled to announce that the U.S. Department of Education has named DSST: Cedar High School a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School. This recognition places Cedar High School among the top schools in the country, celebrating its outstanding academic performance and commitment to closing...

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the DSST community! The preliminary results for Colorado's School Performance Framework (SPF) are in, and we’re proud to announce that DSST schools are continuing to lead the way in excellence.

DSST has gotten off to a great start for the 2024-25 school year. We are excited to keep this positive momentum by focusing on our Big 5 goals.

This summer, 22 DSST 10th graders got the opportunity of becoming Campos Scholars. They participated in a four-week summer program through the Campos Foundation, where they were able to take a deep dive into the realms of chemistry, physics and calculus.Guided by DSST and CU Boulder faculty, these...

Below, you will find bell times, information about our main communications platform, and other tech platforms you will need throughout the school year, which will allow you to stay up-to-date with your child's progress, grades, attendance, school alerts, and more. 

Bell times:

Below are updated...

We were so excited to celebrate our graduating classes from DSST: Cedar, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, DSST: Montview, DSST: Conservatory Green, DSST: College View, and DSST: Cole in the month of May.

At the DSST: Green Valley Ranch graduation, Caroline Gaudiani (School Director at DSST: Green Valley...

The Middle School Commons at Aurora Science & Tech (AST) is alive with a vibrant display of thousands of paper cranes, each carrying a story of empathy, resilience and hope. For the past four years, 7th-grade students in Allie Crites' Social Studies class have folded paper cranes as a kinesthetic...

The DSST Leadership Development Team hosted the 2nd Annual Leadership Pipeline Symposium on May 15th. The transformational evening celebrated the 2023-2024 participants from DSST’s three leadership pipelines — School Directors in Training (SDiT), Advanced Leadership Cohort (ALC), and the Emerging...

When Cesia Tomita (DSST: College View ‘24) walked into middle school for the first time, she could immediately feel the close-knit community at DSST: College View.

“I had a lot of support from my teachers in middle school,” said Tomita.

In a resounding victory for education excellence, DSST Public Schools have once again demonstrated our unparalleled commitment to academic achievement.The latest U.S. News and World Report rankings showed that all six DSST schools with graduating classes were among the top 8% of high schools across...

Eyeruse Kifle(DSST: Green Valley Ranch ‘24) has always excelled academically—her 4.5 GPA speaks for itself—but she was a shy middle schooler. Well, in her words, “really shy.” Talking to someone new was barely possible. But then, DSST: Green Valley Ranch Middle School presented the opportunity to...

DSST Public Schools and Anschutz Children's Hospital have joined forces to bring a vision to life that promotes and encourages wellness through art. Nestled within the hospital's stairwell, a vibrant mural emerges, inviting patients, staff and visitors alike to embark on a journey of inspiration...

On Friday, April 19 the DSST community gathered to celebrate 20 years of educational excellence and honor Bill Kurtz during his final year leading DSST.The evening was filled with laughter and joy as guests enjoyed dinner and a program consisting of speeches from DSST alumni, a video from our...

Mario Garcia’s journey to his senior year looked very different than he expected. He has always been a shy student, but his middle and high school experiences at DSST: Cedar, and his teachers helped him break out of his shell and get him to where he is now.

Valeria Ochoa (DSST: Conservatory Green ‘24) is headed to Colorado State University this fall with plans to earn an undergraduate degree from the College of Natural Sciences before continuing to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from CSU, the No. 2 Vet school in the nation.

Emely Rodriguez-Rodriguez (DSST: Cole ‘24) is headed to Pepperdine University this fall with plans to major in Nursing and minor in Political Science. But this accomplishment was not an easy path for her.As a first-generation college student, Emely attributes her success to the support of her...

At just 12 years old, Charles Nyberg was already making waves in the world of film. Now, as a high school student at DSST: Cedar, he's taking his passion for storytelling and cinematography to new heights, all while balancing the rigors of academics.

Aspen Harris is a Denver native. Raised in the Parkhill, Montbello, and Green Valley Ranch communities, her journey from DSST: Montview (Class of 2015) to the drafting tables of her architectural firm is a testament to the transformative power of education and determination.Her passion for...

Rayan Elhanan (DSST: Montview ‘24) has an impressive academic record. She has a 4.5 GPA, is taking five AP classes this semester alone, has been admitted to six excellent universities* including Stanford and USC and was selected for the highly regarded LEDA Scholars Program.

But Elhanan truly...

Sophonias Paulos, a proud alumnus of DSST: Green Valley Ranch, has come full circle, returning to DSST Public Schools where he has worked for four years as a 12th-grade teacher and advisor for the Black Student Alliance (BSA) at DSST: Conservatory Green. His journey from student to educator...

Victoria Cruz's journey to becoming a school leader at DSST Public Schools wasn't exactly what she had envisioned for her career, but it turned out to be a transformative experience that she cherishes deeply.

After a national search process, we are thrilled to announce Nella García Urban as the second CEO of DSST Public Schools. Nella was chosen from an identified candidate pool of over 170 diverse leaders in an extensive search process.

In a momentous celebration of academic excellence, DSST: Green Valley Ranch High School stood in the spotlight on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, as it proudly received the prestigious 2023 ESEA Distinguished Schools award.The assembly commenced with a performance by the school's drumline, setting the...

This January, each DSST campus welcomed back their alumni for breakfast and re-connecting with DSST! In total, we served 102 alumni across our six high school campuses with alumni. 

As part of DSST’s Leadership Pipeline Spotlight Series, we are excited to celebrate the leadership journey of Jimmy Cooley, who is serving in his first year as an Associate School Director at DSST: Conservatory Green Middle School. Cooley joined our DSST community in the 2022-2023 school year with...

Our annual Winter Carnival was a blast! Students in our Center Programs from across the DSST network gathered for music, games, crafts, treats and a (most popular) moon bounce before winter break. 

Zenetta Zepeda graduated from DSST: Montview in 2016.

Have you ever considered taking your career in education to the next level? If so, you're not alone. Many educators dream of becoming leaders within their schools and making a more profound impact on the lives of students. One way to achieve this dream is through programs like DSST's Teacher Leader...

DSST: Conservatory Green High School’s Visual Arts 3 - Industry Connect and AP Drawing classes recently undertook a transformative project that left an indelible mark on their school.

Voting represents a powerful opportunity to ensure your voice reverberates through the halls of decision-making. This election season, the ballot is teeming with critical issues that directly impact our community. The decisions made in this election will shape the future of our education system,...

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we connected with DSST alum, Amelia Federico, to celebrate and highlight their talents, skills and wonderful contributions to the Hispanic community. 

Meet Anna Ellis (pictured - bottom right), the newest Manager of College Success at DSST: Conservatory Green High School in northeast Denver. In her role, Anna wears many hats, including teaching college seminar courses, managing scholarship programs and supporting athletic recruitment. Anna's love...

In the realm of education, the quest for excellence and equity is a journey that is both challenging and rewarding. Recently, Colorado unveiled its preliminary 2023 School Performance Framework (SPF) results, and the news is nothing short of impressive for DSST.

From CEO Bill Kurtz

I write this message with a deep sense of gratitude for all of you who have partnered, supported and helped build DSST over the last 20 years. I am thankful for the thousands of students and families who have given us the sacred opportunity to be a part of their educational...

The U.S. News and World Report has released its list for the top high schools in Colorado. According to the report, U.S. News analyzed 24,980 public high schools across the U.S.

Grab your party hats and join us in celebrating an incredible milestone - DSST Public Schools is turning 20 years old! It's been two decades of laughter, learning and amazing achievements, and we couldn't have done it without our fantastic Denver and Aurora supporters, friends and families who have...

On Monday, Aug. 7 DSST hosted the annual Infusion event to kick off the 2023-24 school year with some celebrations, laughs and lots of inspiration.

We honored dozens of teachers and staff who have been with DSST for more than five, 10 and 15 years as well as our alumni who now work at DSST. 

Part...

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education” - Martin Luther King, Jr. 

We are so excited to have everyone back for the 2023-24 school year. As you prepare, we want to share some info that you will need ahead of the first day of school on Aug. 17.

Below you will find bell times, new updates on the P/SAT and info on the three tech platforms you will be needing...

DSST: Byers has recently undergone a significant transformation. After a comprehensive year-long process involving input from families, students, staff, leadership, and communities, DSST: Byers will now be known as DSST: Cedar starting from the upcoming 2023-24 school year.The decision to adopt the...

The DSST: Conservatory Green High School Chess club/team has taken the local chess scene by storm, turning heads and making their mark in various tournaments throughout the year. What started as a casual club has blossomed into a competitive team, showcasing the students' strategic prowess and...

Personal essay by Salvador Ramirez (he, him, el), DSST Manager of Equity and Inclusion

The Leadership Development Team at DSST hosted the Inaugural Leadership Pipeline Symposium on May 17 at The Source Hotel.

As we wrap up AAPI Month, we want to highlight some students at DSST: College View High School who are making sure the Asian culture is honored and seen not just at their school but across the DSST network. 

Last week DSST celebrated six graduations: DSST: Byers, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, DSST: Montview, DSST: Conservatory Green, DSST: College View and DSST: Cole. Check out some of the highlights below.

Let’s get ready to rumble! 

As we prepare to celebrate the DSST Class of 2023 at Senior Signing Day on April 27, we are featuring how this senior class lives out the six DSST Core Values (Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Courage, Curiosity and Doing Your Best) at school and beyond.

We are excited to feature Jaus'lynn...

April is National Poetry Month and we’re excited to celebrate the creativity and talent of our students. We are honored to feature a powerful poem titled "Con nuestras voces" (With our Voices) by Omar, DSST: College View High School freshman. This moving piece speaks to the power of community in...

Five inspiring women from different positions across the DSST network took some time last month to discuss the importance of women in STEM and elevating women's voices.

As we prepare to celebrate the DSST Class of 2023 at Senior Signing Day on April 27, we are featuring how this senior class lives out the six DSST Core Values (Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Courage, Curiosity and Doing Your Best) at school and beyond.

We are excited to feature DSST: Montview...

As we prepare to celebrate the DSST Class of 2023 at Senior Signing Day on April 27, we are featuring how this senior class lives out the six DSST Core Values (Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Courage, Curiosity, and Doing Your Best) at school and beyond.

We are excited to feature DSST:...

Students have been able to get first-hand exposure and connections to careers in aviation and aerospace thanks to a new partnership with the Denver International Airport (DEN) Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation (CEEA) and DSST Public Schools.

A DSST: Green Valley Ranch High School family...

As we prepare to celebrate the DSST Class of 2023 at Senior Signing Day on April 27, we are featuring how this senior class lives out the six DSST Core Values (Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Courage, Curiosity and Doing Your Best) at school and beyond.

We are excited to feature DSST: Cole...

As we prepare to celebrate the DSST Class of 2023 at Senior Signing Day on April 27, we are featuring how this senior class lives out the six DSST Core Values (Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Courage, Curiosity and Doing Your Best) at school and beyond.

We are excited to feature Donna...

Some DSST: Montview students are part of the ACE Mentor Program of America (ACE), created to encourage high school students into pursuing careers in the Architecture, Construction and Engineering industry, including skilled trades.

It is an after-school program where students are put into teams...

As we prepare to celebrate the DSST Class of 2023 at Senior Signing Day on April 27, we are featuring how this senior class lives out the six DSST Core Values (Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Courage, Curiosity and Doing Your Best) at school and beyond.

Our first spotlight is on Katrina...

School social workers are culture leaders in our community. They play an integral role in ensuring that students receive mental health counseling services, leading crisis interventions and supporting our students in vital social-emotional development.

For DSST: Green Valley Ranch junior Quinten Newbern STEM has been the main focus throughout his time at school. It has been a passion of his, and he has dedicated a lot of his time to developing those skills. 

However, when it came time to pick what he wanted to do for his junior-year internship,...

Throughout the month of February, our campuses held various events celebrating Black History Month with the help of Black student leaders and special community guests.

Written by the DSST: Montview High School journalism team:

Journalism is the activity or profession of writing for newspapers, magazines or news websites or preparing news to be broadcast, but by MTVnews’ definition, it is being creative and using that as a stepping stool for an intellectual,...

On any given Wednesday afternoon, you can find Tara Peña, junior at DSST: College View High School, muddying up her Converse shoes walking the Bluff Lake property completing her internship assignments. And she loves every second of it. 

We asked Lori Barr, a parent from DSST: Byers, to share why she chose DSST for her son and why she thinks others should too. Here is what she said.

We asked Marco Maximiliano and Laura Jaime, two students from our DSST: College View campus, to share why they chose DSST and why they think others should too. Here is what they said.

The Winter Carnival for our Center Program students was a blast!

Recently, 11 DSST seniors across the network were named QuestBridge Match Scholars. This is the most matches ever received in DSST history. These students were matched with their college choice and will attend on a full four-year scholarship.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on this year so far and say thank you to the entire DSST community. This year has not been without challenges, and your support has shown your deep commitment to our students and education.

November is often looked at as the season that leads us into the holiday season, however, it is much more than that. In 1990 a decision was made and proper recognition was given to those who have called this North American soil home for much longer than any other group of people. What is now...

DSST: Montview Middle School has had a fun first Trimester. The students, staff and community have enjoyed a plethora of events. Here is a look at some of the highlights.

DSST is celebrating our six amazing School Psychologists this week for National School Psychologist Week.

DSST has brought in three Literacy Interventionists to help address the decline in reading assessment proficiency that educators are seeing at DSST and across Colorado.Samantha Hakes is the literacy interventionist at our Aurora Science & Tech (AST) Middle School, where she works with students...

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. There are local and statewide issues on the ballot that could impact you. That is why it is important you take some time to learn about why this election is critical, how to register to vote and more by visiting dsstvotes.org.

“It’s hard to imagine where I would be without DSST,” Aileen Ocampo, DSST: Green Valley Ranch 2016 graduate, said looking back at her time at DSST. 

Over the summer, DSST kicked off planning for what we want DSST to look and feel like in five years. Since then, DSST has hosted focus groups, conducted interviews, sent out surveys, researched, and engaged nearly 1,600 DSST community members -- students, alumni, families and staff members -- in...

Over the past couple weeks, each of our schools has held a Back to School Night, which is an opportunity for parents/guardians to meet their student(s)' teachers, get connected to their schools' communications, meet partners and just have some fun.

As we start the 2022-23 school year, we are thrilled to share some highlights about the hard work done across our network over the past year and outline our plans to address areas of needed growth.

A guest post by DSST: Conservatory Green student body president, Aiden on the history and importance of Hispanic Heritage Month.

September is Hispanic Heritage month and as we honor the culture, we also want to raise awareness of some of the mental health struggles the Latinx/Hispanic community faces. Mental health and mental illness are often stigmatized topics that result in prolonged suffering in silence, which can end in...

One of DSST’s driving factors is making sure all students have an equal opportunity for their post-secondary education. We offer many resources designed to help students get to and thrive in a higher-education setting, including a partnership with AdvanceEDU.

A Q&A with Dr. Jacquelyn Sullivan: DSST supporter and founding board member, Founder of the TeachEngineering digital library, and Co-Founder of theEngineering Plusdegree program and theIntegrated Teaching and Learning Program and Laboratoryat CU Boulder.

We recently spoke with a DSST founding board member who said she hoped DSST graduates would eventually come back and teach at our schools and become educational leaders. Cami Coultas-McKenney is doing just that.

As we kick off the 2022-23 school year, DSST is excited to introduce some new school leadership team members.

DSST Public Schools was thrilled to welcome the founding class of freshmen to Aurora Science and Tech High School.We spoke with the founding School Director, Kryszelda Mendoza who shared some of her thoughts about what this school means to the students and her perspective on the new school.

We were so excited to welcome our students back for the 2022-23 school year on Tuesday, Aug. 16. Some of our students took some exciting trips to places like Spain, France and The Dominican Republic over the summer. Here are some of the highlights from some of our schools.

A post by Katie Le, a DSST Summer Fellow and DSST: College View alumna.

"Katie Le, please come to receive your award," announced the school director. Hearing my name, I stepped closer to obtaining my recognition of excellence, while the auditorium echoed the claps and cheers of my classmates and...

You may have seen a cool art installation in front of DSST: Montview that features a horizontal tail stabilizer from a 737 airplane.

Emancipation Day, also known as Juneteenth, is a day of remembrance, reflection and celebration for the Black community. Juneteenth is celebrated to give thanks for all of the contributions, strength and sacrifices of our enslaved ancestors. Without them, our growth and courage would have been...

A post by Ash Gelb, Manager of Diversity Equity and Inclusion.

June is a thrilling month for the LGBTQIA community and their allies, filled with parties, parades and as much drag queen brunch as you can handle. As our favorite companies turn their logos into rainbows, it is important to remember...

Our DSST alumni are out doing some pretty incredible things. As part of our sendoff to seniors, we asked a few of them to share some life advice. Here is what they had to say:

Musicians, artists, tie-dye and more! The end-of-year events at DSST: Cole and DSST: College View showcased the creative spirit thriving at each school through an all-out musical shindig and a groovy art showcase.

As we near the end of the 2021-22 school year, I am excited to share some updates about DSST’s leadership team. As many of you know, DSST has grown rapidly since we started DSST MTV HS in 2004. We have since opened 15 new schools, all of which have been consistently...

National Foster Care Awareness Month is a way to acknowledge foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and other members of the community who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes and connections. In recognition of Foster...

Last week DSST celebrated six graduations: DSST: Byers, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, DSST: Montview, DSST: Conservatory Green, DSST: College View and DSST: Cole. Check out some of the highlights below.

We know DSST is filled with top-tier teachers who love our students and want the best for their education and life, but it is always nice when others outside the network recognize our wonderful educators.

The Month of May is a MAGNIFICIENT time for new beginnings, renewal and togetherness. Spring is arriving and the rain that is present provides our Earth with a clean slate for the upcoming months.

Thursday, April 28 we celebrated the Class of 2022 with over 5,000 DSST students, staff, parents and community members. The morning was filled with performances from middle and high school groups from across the network, a mascot race, and of course, post-secondary decisions from our over 700...

DSST: Conservatory Green senior CJ Jones plans to join the US Navy. We sat down to ask him about his time at DSST, his goal to make a career in the Armed Forces and more:

The diversity spectrum is farther reaching than any definition that meets the eye. Diversity is inclusive of multiple intersecting identities including age, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, beliefs, abilities and thought. The diversity of “being” - to simply exist as a unique individual - is often...

DSST: Byers Senior Rana Abdellatif is a true leader and advocate! We sat down to ask her a few questions about her time at DSST, her role as a young leader and more:

Jim and Teresa Berryman launched the Ariel Berryman Memorial Scholarship Fund after the passing of their daughter, Ariel. Ariel’s passion for helping people reach their full potential inspired the creation of this scholarship, which helps eliminate barriers to higher education for young women...

Last week was Spring break for all of our campuses in Denver. From a trip to Spain to a leadership conference, here are some of the highlights from some of our schools.

A note from Dr. Aaron J. Griffen, VP of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Alana Raybon, School Director at DSST: Noel, and  Rana Abdellatif, Student at DSST Byers HS.

DSST: College View seniors Leslie Cesta and Marissa Montoya are classmates, teammates and friends. We sat down to ask them a few questions about their friendship and their time at DSST: