What’s Special About DGS and its Curriculum?

How is the DGS curriculum design unique?

DGS is a Neighborhood Innovation School—meaning we implement our own unique program design, approved through a rigorous process by the Denver School Board. Our emphasis on project-based learning allows teachers and students to engage in relevant, self-directed, teacher-facilitated learning. One of the main differences is that we use a different research based curriculum for Math and Reading, allowing teachers more flexibility in planning and students to be more engaged.

Your child will benefit from:

High expectations

DGS staff and students hold the highest expectations for their own achievement. We believe that when we align curriculum, instruction and assessments while holding ourselves accountable to high standards, we will be preparing our students for success on a path to college.

Welcoming School Environment

We have two classrooms per grade level which is much smaller than many schools in DPS. It is especially unique in the middle school and we feel it’s one reason we’re so successful. We also serve a wide variety of grades including ECE - 8th grade, meaning we have many families that stay with us for long periods of time. It’s like a family!

Sustainability Focused

In our classrooms, in our curriculum and in our school building, we strive to be sustainable. We focus on three pillars of sustainability including: social, environmental, and financial. Each grade weaves these tenets into classroom curriculum and projects throughout the year. One way most grades incorporate this learning is in a class called education for sustainability (EFS).

Project Based Learning

Students will partner with their teachers to engage in relevant, student directed/teacher facilitated learning.

Longer School Day

Our School Day is from 8:50-4:20, except on Fridays when we have early release at 1:30. Our school day is 45 minutes longer than the traditional DPS School Day, allowing for us to include things like movement time, team building, and education for sustainability.

Special Education

We strive to educate every child. DGS works to educate students with learning differences by providing a comprehensive Special Education Program that addresses each student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) while creating a flexible learning environment to allow all students access to DGS’ unique programs and opportunities.

DGS as Community School

At DGS we strive to work together with many partners to offer a range of supports and opportunities to children, youth, families and community.