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.
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.