DSST CIRCUIT

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...

Navigating the SchoolChoice process is an important step in securing the best educational experience for your child. This FAQ will guide you through key details about the lottery system and how to apply to DSST Public Schools for the upcoming school year.

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...

We are so excited to have everyone back for the 2024-25 school year. As you prepare, we want to share some info that you will need this year.

Below, you will find bell times, information about our new communications platform, and other tech platforms you will need throughout the school year, which...

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.

What a fantastic start to the 2022-23 school year! We loved seeing your children back at our 16 schools in Denver and Aurora after a much-needed summer. It was great to feel the excitement and anticipation of a new school year in students and staff.

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:

A note from DSST CEO Bill Kurtz:

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:

A note from Dr. Aaron J. Griffen, VP of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

DSST: Cole seniors Arianna Silva, Kenneth Hurd, and Abraham Cabello grew up on the Cole campus. We sat down to ask them a few questions about their experience:

DSST: Green Valley Ranch senior Doryanna Aldava had a great role model in her older sister, and now it's her turn to be a role model to her younger brother and friends. We sat down to ask her a few questions about her experience:

DSST: College View has been trying to get a home soccer field since 2013, and after years of work and advocating for the campus, it was approved by Denver voters and a new field is officially in the works.The nearly $2.1 million project is being paid for by bond funding approved by the voters, and...

DSST: Montview senior Kidus Legesse had a 6.3% chance of getting into Cornell University. Despite the odds, he's going to be attending on a full ride this fall. We sat down to ask him a few questions about his journey:

A post by Donna Williams-Martinez, junior at DSST: Byers

Beginning in 1978 in Sonoma County California, Women's History Month started out as a week to correspond with International Women’s Day. In 1980, as the celebration became more popular across the U.S., a consortium of women, led by the National Women’s Project, lobbied for recognition on a greater...

The transition from middle to high school can be intimidating. It feels like the transition from being a child to taking your first step into becoming an adult. The College View campus is working to support students to help make sure they know that each one of them is valued in the Wolf Pack, and...

A note from Dr. Aaron J. Griffen, VP of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Some who are versed in History, Geography, migrant patterns and Human Geography, may struggle with the notion that Black History is American History, and that to be American is to reside in and be born or naturalized to the...

A note from Dr. Aaron J. Griffen, VP of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

150 seconds. Months of training, conditioning, memorizing choreography, late practices and perfecting technique all boils down to two and a half minutes.“We knew we had a chance, and we also knew we had done all we could in that moment to make it.”For those who say cheerleading is not a sport, I...

DSST is celebrating National School Choice Week! National School Choice Week is a not-for-profit, charitable effort to raise awareness of effective K–12 education options for children. They focus equally on traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools,...

A single scholarship can change the entire course of a student’s life. Doors open, opportunities arise and futures shine a little brighter when financial burdens are removed from the equation.

DSST is built on a foundation of educational equity, something which alumni and former DSST teacher Nicholas Kukucka has worked to incorporate into his life and career.

Nicholas graduated from DSST: Montview in 2010 as part of the third graduating class, and started his career as an American...

A note from DSST CEO, Bill Kurtz

A note from Dr. Aaron J. Griffen, VP of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., over the course of the last decade or more, has become a performative caricature to sustain a status quo narrative that equality is a zero sum game in which each of us must work hard to...

Music is more than just knowing how to sing or play an instrument. Music is knowing how to book a tour, how to unload equipment and set up for a show or how to prepare for a recording session in a studio.

A note from Dr. Aaron J. Griffen, VP of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Ash Gelb, Manager of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, and Mercedes Blea-Davis, Manager of Diversity and Belonging

Scott Esserman is the first DSST parent elected to the Denver Public School Board of Education. His son attends DSST: Montview Middle School. 

You are the starting line waiting for the gun to go off. There are butterflies in your stomach. All those years of hard work have led to this moment.The gun fires and you take off. You know your rhythm so you set your pace and let focus and control take over. You have been training for this. As you...

A note from Dr. Aaron J. Griffen, VP of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

November is National Native American Heritage Month. The DSST Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team put together some information to help inform people about the history of Native Americans and how you can honor the culture and heritage.

When you get involved with DSST as a parent or community member, your steps may be small — but your collective impact is big.

A note from Dr. Aaron J. Griffen, VP of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

A note from Dr. Aaron J. Griffen, VP of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

The gym doors shut with a loud thud. Three stray high schoolers sauntered in and gravitated toward the basketballs in the bleachers.

The U.S. News and World Report has released its list for the top middle schools in Colorado. According to the report, U.S. News analyzed 102,610 pre-K, elementary and middle schools. We are proud to report that all seven eligible DSST middle schools were ranked in the inaugural report!...

Larry Maynard and his family were excited when they heard in 2018 that a DSST school could be opening in their Aurora community. So they attended meetings to learn more. 

A small idea started in the fall of 2020 to help serve families struggling at the height of the pandemic has blossomed into something that has impacted the lives of hundreds of families.

Earlier in October, the Cole Food Pantry was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Denver Emergency Food Relief Funds...

It takes a lot of hard work and team effort to keep a school running smoothly. At the helm of that effort are our school directors. October is National Principals’ Month, so today we are highlighting a few of our school leaders and thanking them for their work.We asked them to tell us about...

It is 10:03 p.m. on a Tuesday evening, and while I should be in bed making sure I am well enough to go back to work tomorrow after being sick for the last three days, I am up. My 6-year-old daughter is asleep in her room, and my 3-year-old son...well...he is currently practicing parkour off of my...

DSST is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! We are excited to share a video series with you, led by DSST Manager of Diversity and Belonging Mercedes Blea-Davis. Mercedes spoke with Rosita Mallo, Manager of College Success and Internships at DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Juan Saenz, Spanish teacher at...

At DSST we believe our role as educators is to prepare our students for what they need in the future - to have the courage to design and implement an excellent program that best equips our students for success in college and the 21st century and to reach their full potential. We want our students...

This post was written by Megan Casimir, a social worker at DSST: Cole and founder of Words Beyond Walls.

Nyjah Munn, an 8th grader at DSST: Conservatory Green Middle School, noticed another student during their first week of school. Ivory Corona-Sanchez is a 6th grader, so she is new to the school, and she is also blind and working on mobility. Nyjah noticed her struggling to with cane and saw an...

Robert Tanaka, DSST: Montview High School '18, is competing in the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo! He will represent the United States in the judo competition. Robert is currently a senior at University of Southern California (USC), and has been competing in judo almost his entire life.

Yesterday we were thrilled to welcome nearly 7,000 students in person at our 15 schools in Denver and Aurora. Masks could not hide the joy and excitement radiating from students and staff throughout our school communities. Check out a few highlights from the day below!

Today we celebrated the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for DSST: Elevate Northeast High School! Read all about the event below, plus an introduction to Founding School Director Travonda Favorite.

We are excited to welcome all our new staff members, including some new school leaders! Today we're featuring two new School Directors (neither of whom are new to the DSST family!), Meghan Janci from DSST: Conservatory Green High School and Misha Hudak from DSST: Cole Middle School!

DSST: Cole is hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Thursday, August 5, which will be open to all community members.

When one hears, reads or thinks of the word Pride. What comes to mind? Is it pride in our country, pride in ourselves, pride in our community, or simply an acknowledgment of the joy, resilience and triumphs of one’s culture and lived experiences? PRIDE has multiple meanings for multiple people....

As we at DSST continue to celebrate the multiple cultures, experiences, and backgrounds we have in our community, we are actively seeking to spotlight the living greatness of our staff. For Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage month, we wanted our staff and students, particularly, to...

After wrapping up iReady testing, the entire 7th grade class at Aurora Science & Tech Middle School participated in a special community day afternoon led by 7th grade social studies teacher, Allie Crites. Together, students built a model B-17, a bomber plane that was used by the US Army Air Force...

On Wednesday, May 19, the Class of 2021 celebrated both their hard work and the bright futures. While our seniors weren’t able to announce their post-high school plans at the Denver Coliseum, they still found unique and meaningful ways to celebrate. At each school, there was a viewing party to ...

The Class of 2021 is celebrating Senior Signing Day on Wednesday, May 19! Each high school will host a watch party for the virtual event. Learn more and join the viewing parties here! You can help celebrate our seniors on social media - use #DSST2021 when you post!

The last chapter in our senior celebrations is the DSST: Byers High School Class of 2021! These seniors each shared some special high school memories and their visions for the future. Check out some of their senior highlight videos below!