DSST schools shine in 2023 Denver School Performance Framework results

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.

DSST operates six of the top 10 high schools and six of the top 13 middle schools in Denver, with DSST: Cedar High School being the number one high school in all of Denver. These rankings underscore DSST's commitment to academic excellence and our ability to deliver it consistently across multiple schools.

What's even more remarkable is that DSST operates all of the top five high schools and six of the top eight middle schools in Denver, serving a predominantly low-income student population. Over half of the students in our schools are eligible for free or reduced lunch, emphasizing our dedication to offering excellent educational opportunities to everyone regardless of circumstance.

Here is another way to understand our impact across Denver: 

• While DSST represents just 14% of DPS secondary students, we represent 49% of DPS secondary students attending Colorado SPF-rated green secondary schools.
• Additionally, DSST schools educate 60% of DPS secondary students from low-income families who attend green schools. 

While DSST has much to celebrate, we still have much work to do, namely with the academic growth and proficiency that our students are achieving post-pandemic. We have a long way to go to eliminate the equity gaps in our data. DSST's strategic plan is laser-focused on tackling these challenges, reaffirming our commitment to continuous improvement.

As DSST embarks on its 20th school year, we carry the weight of responsibility to effectively prepare 7,200 students across Denver and Aurora for success in college and the 21st century. This task is not taken lightly, and DSST is more than ready to rise to the occasion.