By encouraging self-sufficiency through quality education, the Denver Street School (DSS) serves youth in Denver who have dropped out of or been expelled from the public school system. DSS believes achievement through education is the most effective way to transform a disenfranchised member of society into a productive citizen. DSS staff members share Christ’s love with troubled youth and challenge them to reach their highest potential. Students at DSS learn to identify and overcome negative patterns in their lives through career counseling, athletic programs, mentoring and faculty advocacy.

Since the school began in 1979, over 200 students have earned their high school diplomas. A recent alumni study showed that 80 percent of DSS graduates have enrolled in college or technical schools, enlisted in the military or are meaningfully employed. The school provides a fully accredited academic program with an on-site daycare facility for teen parents, one-on-one counseling, workforce readiness programs, and college testing and scholarships for students interested in pursuing higher education.

Turning dropouts into graduates

An estimated 52 students per day drop out of high schools in Colorado. For each student who drops out, society pays an estimated $563,000 over his or her lifetime in public subsidies or income supports. The lives of DSS students are marked by substance abuse, abandonment, physical and sexual abuse, teen pregnancy and gang affiliation. Many have criminal records and have had several encounters with the juvenile justice system. At DSS, students receive the personal attention they need to stay in school and complete their high school education. The student population is divided between African American, Hispanic and Caucasian students, and the majority live below the poverty level in families who have no precedent for education.

In the fall of 2005, DSS opened its second campus located in Aurora. Since the opening of its doors, the East Campus’ enrollment has reached capacity and continues to have a waiting list. During the 2005-2006 school year, DSS served 80 students at the West Campus and 51 at the East Campus. Student GPA averages increased from 0.94 to 2.73!

DSS faculty members currently receive a monthly stipend and raise support to bring their salaries to the DPS equivalent for their educational level. The Denver Street School is totally funded by private community donors.