Frequently Asked Questions

DSST was founded as the Denver School of Science and Technology in 2004. Since then, DSST has grown from a single middle school to a network of high-performing public charter schools serving students across Denver and Aurora, officially doing business as DSST Public Schools.

Yes, DSST schools are tuition-free public charter schools. We are open to all students and do not charge tuition, require entrance exams or have any admission requirements. DSST operates under a charter agreement with Denver Public Schools and Aurora Public Schools, which means we have more flexibility in our educational approach while still being held to high standards of accountability.

Charter schools are public schools that operate with more autonomy than traditional district schools in exchange for increased accountability for student outcomes. Charter schools:

Are free and open to all students
Do not require entrance exams or charge tuition
Must meet the same state academic standards as traditional public schools
Can be closed if they fail to meet performance goals outlined in their charter
Have flexibility in curriculum design, staffing, and school calendar

No, charter schools actually face increased accountability. In addition to meeting state standards and assessments like all public schools, charter schools must also achieve the performance goals outlined in their charter contract or risk closure. DSST schools consistently earn high performance ratings from both Denver Public Schools and Aurora Public Schools.

No. DSST provides a comprehensive, college-preparatory education across all subject areas. Students receive rigorous instruction in English/language arts, social studies, world languages, arts and physical education in addition to advanced math and science courses. Our STEM focus means we emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on learning across all disciplines.

DSST operates schools throughout the Denver and Aurora metro area. To find a school near you, visit our Schools page.

Currently, all DSST schools are located in Denver and Aurora. However, students from neighboring districts may be able to enroll through the School Choice process if space is available. Contact the specific school you're interested in to learn about enrollment options.

DSST focuses on middle and high school because these are critical years for college preparation. Our model emphasizes building strong academic foundations in middle school (grades 6-8) and then providing rigorous, college-preparatory instruction in high school (grades 9-12). This allows us to develop deep expertise in serving adolescent learners and ensuring every student is prepared for success in college and beyond.

While all DSST schools share a commitment to college preparation and high academic standards, each school has its own unique culture and community. Schools may have different partnerships or special programs. We encourage families to visit multiple schools to find the best fit for their student.

A School Director is the principal or lead administrator of a DSST school. The School Director is responsible for the overall leadership of the school, including instructional quality, school culture, staff management and family engagement. Each DSST school has its own School Director who works closely with teachers, staff and families to ensure student success.

DSST and AST (Aurora School of Technology) are part of the DSST network, committed to providing excellent STEM-focused education. AST is the name of DSST schools located in Aurora.

Interested in joining the DSST team? We're always looking for talented, passionate educators and staff members. To learn about employment opportunities:

Visit our Careers page to view open positions
Apply online through our career portal
Attend a DSST career fair or recruitment event
Contact our Human Resources team with questions about the application process

DSST seeks educators and staff who are committed to our mission of closing the opportunity gap and preparing all students for success in college and the 21st century.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs