Update on Big Goal 5: Position DSST for Future Growth
Beginning in Q3, we are formally reporting progress on Big Goal 5, made possible by the generous support of partners who want to expand access to excellent schools for families.
AST 2 – Expanding our long-awaited Impact in Aurora
The AST Owls have demonstrated what is possible for Aurora students and families. The original vision was for four schools in Aurora, and it is coming to life!
- In June 2025, we earned unanimous Board approval for a second APS 6–12 campus, and we’re now preparing to launch a capital campaign for our new building on the Aurora Highlands shared campus, the first of its kind in Aurora.
- Plans for a groundbreaking ceremony, school name and mascot will be announced in late 2026. Stay tuned!
Cole – Strengthening Partnerships and Growing Our Dragon Community
We believe more students in the Five Points community deserve access to a great middle and high school at Cole campus.
- After listening to the community, a competitive E-Sports program is in development, with plans to launch in the 2026–2027 school year.
- Cole Middle School continues to deepen relationships with Five Points elementary feeders so every family in the neighborhood knows Cole is a strong, welcoming option for their students.
Elementary – Exploring pathways to a DSST elementary campus
Our 6th-grade students are entering DSST less proficient every year, so we are starting to imagine what could be possible with earlier access to a DSST program.
- DSST is actively evaluating elementary expansion opportunities in both DPS and APS to support our strong 6-12 program.
- We have engaged an elementary design consultant to help create a program blueprint and assess what a DSST elementary model could look like.
Updates will be shared as this work progresses! If you have questions or want to connect, please reach out to Analise Gonzalez-Fine, Head of Growth.