DPS believes that those closest to students – families and school leaders – know what’s best for their students academically, socially and emotionally, so we offer diverse school models that promote school empowerment and family choice to meet diverse needs. Learn more about our school autonomy model and our family choice model.
The table below lists the different types of schools that make up the DPS family of schools.
What is a district-run traditional school?
District-run traditional schools are public schools that are directly run and overseen by the district. They follow all state requirements and DPS Board of Education policies, without the ability to have waivers.
What is a district-run innovation school?
District-run innovation schools are district-managed public schools with a strategic plan that allows waivers to specific district policies, state statutes, and collective bargaining agreements with the goal of improving student outcomes and executing with excellence a specific model. Innovation schools are governed by the Innovation Schools Act (§ 22-32.5-107, C.R.S).
| Innovation Schools | Grades (at scale) | Innovation Plan | Waivers | Year Innovation Approved | Next Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abraham Lincoln High School | 9-12 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2020-21 | 2022-23 |
| Beach Court | E-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2018-19 | 2022-23 |
| Bear Valley International | 6-8 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2016-17 | 2022-23 |
| Centennial School | E-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2012-13 | 2022-23 |
| Compassion Road Academy | 9-12 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2013-14 | 2022-23 |
| Center for Talent Development at Greenlee | E-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2018-19 | 2022-23 |
| DCIS at Fairmont | E-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2012-13 | 2022-23 |
| DCIS at Ford | E-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2010-11 | 2022-23 |
| Denver Center for 21st Century Learning | 6-12 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2010-11 | 2022-23 |
| Denver Discovery School | 6-8 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2014-15 | 2022-23 |
| Denver Public Montessori Jr/Sr | 6-12 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2012-13 | 2022-23 |
| Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College | 6-12 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2008-09 | 2022-23 |
| DSISD | 9-12 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2015-16 | 2022-23 |
| Excel Academy | 9-12 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2012-13 | 2022-23 |
| Godsman Elementary | E-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2010-11 | 2022-23 |
| Goldrick | K-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2016-17 | 2022-23 |
| Green Valley Elementary | E-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2010-11 | 2022-23 |
| Inspire Elementary | K-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2017-18 | 2022-23 |
| International Academy of Denver at Harrington | E-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2016-17 | 2022-23 |
| Isabella Bird Community School | E-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2013-14 | 2022-23 |
| Joe Shoemaker School | E-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2015-16 | 2022-23 |
| John H. Amesse Elementary, part of the Montbello Children's Network | E-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2018-19 | 2022-23 |
| Legacy Options HS | 9-12 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2015-16 | 2022-23 |
| Manual High School | 9-12 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2008-09 | 2022-23 |
| McGlone Academy, part of the Montbello Children's Network | E-6 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2010-11 | 2022-23 |
| Merrill Middle School | 6-8 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2019-20 | 2022-23 |
| Montclair School of Academics and Enrichment | E-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2008-09 | 2022-23 |
| Morey Middle School | 6-8 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2017-18 | 2022-23 |
| Northeast Early College | 9-12 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2010-11 | 2022-23 |
| Oakland Elementary | E-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2013-14 | 2022-23 |
| Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy | 9-12 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2021-22 | 2023-24 |
| Schmitt Elementary | K-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2016-17 | 2022-23 |
| Summit Academy | 6-12 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2010-11 | 2022-23 |
| Trevista at Horrace Mann | E-8 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2011-12 | 2022-23 |
| Valverde Elementary | K-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2016-17 | 2022-23 |
| Vista Academy | 6-12 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2010-11 | 2022-23 |
| Whittier | K-8 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2009-10 | 2022-23 |
| Willow Elementary | E-5 | Plan | See Innovation Plan | 2014-15 | 2022-23 |
What is an innovation zone (iZone)?
An innovation zone is a group of public innovation schools that share common interests and seek additional flexibility. There are two types of iZones:
What is a DPS charter school?
DPS charter schools are public, independently operated schools. Each charter school board has a contract with the DPS Board of Education that outlines their operating terms, including performance goals, program elements, and required compliance with State and Federal Requirements. In Colorado, charter schools are operated pursuant to the Colorado Charter Schools Act. All DPS charter schools are nonprofit organizations. Contracts for individual schools can be found by searching for the school name on BoardDocs. (Note: All contracts begin on July 1 of the current contract term and end on June 30 of the current contract term.)
