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DSST changed the trajectory of her life. Now she is on a mission to reshape dermatology.

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 provides pathways to the best colleges. My family thought that DSST would lead to a better future. Coming from a Nigerian household where education is a core value, my mom would always remind me in Igbo, “akwụkwọ na-emepe ọtụtụ ụzọ”—education opens many doors—and she was right.

Juniors go coast to coast with DSST’s DEEP college trips

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 performance, extracurricular involvement, and fit for the schools they visited.

DSST students shine as QuestBridge Scholars

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 universities.

DSST: Elevate seniors explore Colorado College, get a glimpse into the future

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.

DSST students get head start on Engineering career through Campos Scholars program

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 scholars didn't just attend classes—they tackled rigorous lab projects, engaged in stimulating discussions and solved complex problems. As part of the program, each student also received a free Chromebooks and a $500 stipend. Students who complete the program after three summers will be automatically admitted to CU Boulder and will be eligible for a full-ride, last-dollar scholarship.

Graduation recap: Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

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 Ranch MS) addressed the 2024 graduates with these beautiful words: 

You will fight forward in science and medicine, revolutionizing how we cure illness while preserving patients’ rights.

You will fight forward through our legal and political systems - changing laws to make us better while inviting true discourse back into our world. 

You will fight forward in business - starting companies that celebrate innovation and offer new opportunities to your staffs and customers alike. 

You will fight forward in engineering and technology - ensuring the brilliant discoveries happening are coupled with an anchored moral compass.

You will fight forward in the fine arts - writing music and creating art that captures people’s hearts and shapes their minds.

You will fight forward for your families - partnering and parenting with influence that leaves more incredible people like you in our world for generations to come. 

May our DSST Class of 2024 fight forward as they embark on new journeys and become the leaders of our tomorrow.

Check out highlights and photos from all six of our graduating classes below. 

Self-expression and healing through art: A young artist thrives at DSST: College View

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.

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

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.