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DSST schools shine bright in latest U.S. News rankings

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 the nation.

If we zoom in to Colorado, they were among the top 40 high schools statewide! In fact, every eligible DSST high school stands among the top 25 schools in Denver, and among the top 10 best high schools within Denver Public Schools.

But wait, there's more! DSST's dedication to educational excellence extends beyond high school. All DSST middle schools have secured spots among the top 30 best schools in the Denver Public Schools system. And in Aurora, Aurora School of Science & Tech has proudly claimed its place as the 7th best school in the entire Aurora Public School System.

Let's take a moment to applaud the remarkable achievements! Here's to continued success and a bright future filled with limitless possibilities for all DSST students!

Blossoming at DSST: Green Valley Ranch

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 join the theater club and drum line.

Eyeruse Kifle's 8th grade photo

DSST students create pathways to health through immersive mural at Anschutz Children's Hospital

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 and health.

“The mission of the wellness department at the hospital (was) to encourage more people to take the stairs,” said Alexis Wallin, the Visual Arts Teacher at DSST: Conservatory Green High School. “The idea was that by making it beautiful, including healthy images and ones that resonate with all ages, people would choose to take the stairs.” 

20th Anniversary Gala recap: Celebrating 20 years of DSST, honoring Bill Kurtz

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 honorary co-chairs, and a video celebrating Bill Kurtz and one about DSST's 20 years of impact.

Artificial intelligence isn't just for tech students. All classrooms are finding ways to wield -- and educate about -- the powerful tool

Scenes from “A Beautiful Mind” flicker on the screen in Zach Kennelly’s Advanced Placement Psychology class at DSST College View in southwest Denver.

The main character, economist and mathematician John Nash, is talking about his paranoid delusions. Every few minutes, Kennelly stops the film and students identify the symptoms of schizophrenia they’re seeing.

“Some delusions, the stress, his emotional unpredictability, the rage, and how he was seeing things other people weren’t seeing,” said one student.

Photos: Students create immersive stairwell mural at Children's Hospital Colorado

A group of DSST students made taking the stairs at Children’s Hospital Colorado into an enchanting experience with an immersive mural that took three days to complete.

“The best part of the project was seeing countless people stop to admire the artwork and tell the artists how the new mural brightened their day,” said Jasmine Chu, Arts Coordinator for the Ponzio Arts Therapy Program at Children’s Colorado.

Founder Bill Kurtz reflects on 20 years leading the DSST school network

Bill recently sat down with Central Park Education News to "talk about his groundbreaking career overseeing an innovative model that strives to educate well an economically and racially diverse student population."

From shy student to college-bound: Mario's journey at DSST: Cedar

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.

An Animal Lover's Path to Veterinary Medicine: Conservatory Green Senior prepares to attend the No. 2 vet school in the nation

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.

Seizing Opportunities: First-gen DSST: Cole student shares her journey to Pepperdine University

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 family and the DSST: Cole community.