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Beyond Colorado: DSST Students Take Their College Search Across the Country

This spring, a group of DSST juniors packed their bags, boarded planes, and did something that changed the way they see their futures. Through DSST's Early Exposure Program (DEEP), students traveled to Boston, Atlanta, and Los Angeles over Spring Break to visit some of the most celebrated college campuses in the country — and came back with a whole new sense of what's possible. 

At DSST Public Schools, we believe that college is more than a destination — it's a doorway. Since our founding, 100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program, and our college counseling work begins as early as 9th grade. DEEP is one of the most powerful expressions of that commitment: a program that puts students physically on the campuses they've only ever seen in brochures, and asks them to imagine themselves there.

Participants are selected based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and fit for the schools they visited. Based on their preferences, students traveled to one of three cities: Boston, Atlanta, or Los Angeles. What they brought back was far more than souvenirs.

100% Admission: Celebrating the Class of 2026

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 and service pathways, this class is stepping into the world with purpose and possibility.

DSST and Colorado School of Mines Launch Guaranteed Admission Pathway for STEM‑Driven Students (Clone)

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 universities.

Ten DSST seniors earn full-ride scholarships through QuestBridge

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 the QuestBridge National College Match.

Feature Friday: Sandra Ross turns her reading struggle into her superpower, and a children's book

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.

'Our job is to make students’ dreams come true': GVR Counselors share glimpse into how DSST is shaping futures

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 goals.  

Celebrating Student Success 

Karla Garcia-Vanderhorst, Campus Coordinator of College Success, beams with pride when she talks about students’ applications and the incredible opportunities they’re pursuing. 

She also highlights the role families play in this journey, and how years of partnership are now bearing fruit.  

Garcia-Vanderhorst shared a story that has stood out to her over her time at DSST. A student who had her heart set on a single opportunity, but Garcia-Vanderhorst encouraged her to keep multiple doors open. When the first application fell through, the second became the lifeline that would have never made it to application. That persistence and guidance changed the course of that student’s future. 

 “Thank you so much,” the student shared when the second letter award arrived, “I can’t imagine what would have happened had you not coached me to keep my options open.”  

Making Dreams Come True 

For Tyler Shanahan, a former higher education professional, the work with students reminds him of his own journey to find college.  

“Our job as counselor is to make students’ dreams come true,” he said with conviction. 

The team invests time in understanding each student, their story, hopes, and ambitions. They start early, building a college-going culture from ninth grade with constant, clear communication with families and students. The majority of GVR HS students were GVR middle school students and have been on a seven-year journey with DSST. 

Shanahan also challenges the myths that college doesn’t have to mirror K–12 experience. He uses his own journey to show students that success is possible and having the agency to choose your future matters.  

A dancer. A woman in STEM. A person defining success on her own terms.

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 for a career in medicine.

A bowl of pho and a business plan: A journey rooted in Vietnamese-Laotian heritage

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.

5 facts that show the power of multilingualism

Research shows that multilingual brains don’t just juggle words—they're wired differently. From boosting memory to enhancing creativity, here are five fascinating ways speaking multiple languages changes your brain for the better.

Congrats to our 24-25 Core Value Award winners! Check out these highlights from TOAST

On Thursday, April 17, DSST staff gathered at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for TOAST, our annual staff celebration event honoring your hard work and celebrating the close of another school year.