We Thrive Together
DSST Public Schools 2025-26 Impact Report
Nella García Urban,
CEO, DSST Public Schools
Patrick O’Rourke,
2025-26 Board Chair
FROM OUR
BOARD CHAIR
As I reflect on the 2025–26 school year, I am struck by the unmistakable sense of forward motion across DSST. This year was defined by clarity of purpose, disciplined execution, and the collective belief that our students deserve an education that expands their futures. That belief continues to guide every decision we make as a board.
This year also reaffirmed the urgency and promise of DSST’s founding commitment to STEM education. In classrooms across our network, students are not simply learning science, technology, engineering, and math; they are building the habits of inquiry, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration that will prepare them to lead in a rapidly changing world. For many of our students, DSST’s STEM model opens doors to fields and futures where they have historically been underrepresented. That work is central to our mission and essential to the future we are building together.
A powerful example of that promise came from Aurora Science & Tech, which celebrated its first graduating class, the Class of 2026. These seniors were trailblazers from the beginning: the first to build school traditions, the first to shape the culture of a new campus, and now the first to carry AST’s mission into college, career, and life. Their achievement represents more than a milestone for one school. It is a testament to what becomes possible when students, families, educators, and partners come together around a bold vision for STEM-centered opportunity in Aurora.
This year also marked a moment of expansion and long-term planning. Through thoughtful forecasting, strategic conversations, and the continued evolution of our Quantum 5 Strategy, DSST is positioning itself for a future that is both ambitious and sustainable. We engaged deeply in discussions about talent, culture, enrollment, and growth, always with an eye toward what will best serve students in the years ahead. Our role is to ensure DSST remains strong, stable, and mission-driven, and I am grateful for the partnership and expertise of my fellow board members in that effort.
As we reflect on the 2025–26 school year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our teachers, leaders, families, and partners. Your support fuels DSST’s mission and ensures that our students continue to rise, regardless of ZIP code or circumstance. And to our CEO, Nella García Urban, thank you for your visionary leadership and for continuing to call us forward with purpose and conviction. The work ahead is bold. The future is bright. And together, we will continue to move forward.
With appreciation,
Patrick O’Rourke
Board Chair, DSST Public Schools Board of Directors
Our Impact
DSST schools earn top marks across Denver and Aurora
DSST's School Performance Framework (SPF) results showed strong outcomes in students achieved. Thirteen of our 16 schools earned Green ratings, meaning 84% of DSST students attend a Green-rated school, and students across the network demonstrated some of the strongest academic growth in Denver and Aurora. DSST accounted for seven of the top 12 DPS high schools in the SPF results, and AST Middle School was recognized as the top secondary school in APS. While there is still important work ahead, these results underscore the strength of our communities and the promise of what students can accomplish when they are challenged, supported and inspired to reach their fullest potential.
Exploring STEM Pathways
At DSST Public Schools, preparing STEM leaders begins long before high school graduation. Through STEM Lab in middle school and STEM Pathways in high school, students engage in hands-on learning that helps them explore interests, build technical skills, and see themselves as future innovators. From programming drones and designing with 3D modeling software to pursuing specialized pathways in bioscience, computer science, engineering, and entrepreneurship, students gain real-world experiences that connect classroom learning to college and career opportunities.
504 students earned a DSST STEM Certificate in 2025.
Elevate Northeast students lead with their voices at the State Capital
During Advocacy Day at the Colorado State Capitol, students from DSST: Elevate Northeast High School shared powerful personal stories with lawmakers, advocating for the impact of public charter schools and the opportunities they provide.
TFA School Partnership Award
In April 2026, Teach For America (TFA) Colorado recognized DSST Public Schools as the recipient of its inaugural School Partner Award at Illuminate Every Learner, a celebration in support of TFA Colorado held at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver.
"DSST has been an incredible partner in this work, demonstrating what is possible when schools are deeply committed to both excellence and opportunity for students across Colorado. Last school year, 112 TFA alumni were connected to DSST and 26 corps members called DSST home, teaching, leading, and continuing to invest in students across the network.”- Ambar Suero, Executive Director of Teach For America Colorado
Cedar Middle School named 2025 National ESEA Distinguished School
The middle school was one of two schools in the state of Colorado to receive this award. They were selected for showing excellence in serving special populations of students like multilingual learners.
DSST Lab Classrooms: Learning from the Best
DSST’s new Lab Classrooms pilot is designed to elevate accomplished teachers by opening their classrooms as live learning spaces for colleagues across the network. Lab Classrooms turn individual excellence into shared practice, strengthening instructional consistency and professional learning across DSST. Rather than relying on external models or staged demonstrations, they invite educators into DSST classrooms.
Our Schools
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Our People
Giselle Garcia-Gonzalez brings DSST's mission full circle
This year's Distinguished Alumni Torch Bearer Award recognized Giselle Garcia-Gonzalez, a DSST: Montview graduate who returned to the network to support and empower future generations of students. "Now, standing on the other side, I can confidently say that DSST lives its mission."
– Giselle Garcia-Gonzalez, DSST: Montview Class of 2017
From a Clean Room Dream to Deep Space: Evan Sauls Is Building the Future
Evan Sauls, recipient of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Trailblazer Award, exemplifies how STEM education can spark a lifetime of innovation. "Since I was little, I imagined myself in a clean room smock building spacecraft. DSST helped make my dreams come true and I am forever grateful."
– Evan Sauls, DSST: Montview Class of 2015
Our Legacy
Senior Signing Day
The Class of 2026 continues DSST's tradition of 100% post-secondary acceptance and inspires the students who follow to dream big and imagine bright futures for themselves
Read MoreOur Future
DSST Kicks off 2025-26 with BIG 5 goals
Building on record-breaking student success, DSST’s Big 5 goals set a bold path toward stronger schools, thriving communities, and lasting impact.
DSST: Positioned for growth
Big 5 Goal #5 highlights DSST’s progress in expanding access to excellent schools through growth in Aurora, strengthened community partnerships at Cole, and exploration of a future DSST elementary model to support student success from an earlier age.
Preparing STEM Leaders of the Future
Partnering for the Future
DSST Public Schools and Colorado School of Mines established a new guaranteed admission pathway, creating expanded opportunities for students pursuing STEM degrees. The partnership provides qualifying DSST graduates with a direct route to one of the nation's leading engineering and applied science universities. Learn more about this exciting partnership
Senior Leadership Team
Nella García Urban, Chief Executive Officer
Nicole Fulbright, Head of Strategy
Tamara Ghandour, Chief People Officer
Dr. Aaron Griffen, Chief Student Affairs Officer
Nick Plantan, Chief Operating Officer
Carrie Ramsey, Chief of Staff
Dr. Antwan Wilson, President