Charter Enrollment Up in Denver

Denver Public Schools charters more schools than any other district in Colorado, even though it is the fifth largest according to student count. Next year DPS will have more than 20 charter schools in operation.

Denver charter schools continue to outperform district-operated schools and send more students to college. Moreover, Denver is allowing charter schools to occupy district-owned school facilities; the first district in Colorado to willingly do this.

The number of students enrolling in Denver exceeds the district's; in fact, the district's enrollment is in decline. According to the Rocky Mountain News:

Consider these projections: Enrollment in DPS charter schools is expected to grow by 1,053 students for fall. Enrollment in DPS traditional schools is expected to decline by 668. All figures are for preschool through grade 12.

Obviously the success of schools like Denver School of Science and Technology, West Denver Prep, and KIPP Sunshine Peak have created a stir in Denver. Recently the DPS board of education approved a high school for KIPP, a new Cesar Chavez Academy-Denver campus, a middle school for DSST's high school program and a second W Denver Prep campus.

Parents in Denver are now considering quality options for their children's educations. DPS nurtures this school choice environment by creating new charter and contract schools through the issue of a Request for Proposals that outlines the district's educational option needs. Clearly, DPS is considering their complete portfolio and examining how to use their options successfully.