Culture and diversity is celebrated; students speak 14 languages, including Spanish and Somali.
Core values are taught and celebrated; we strive for “healthy, expressive and enlightened” students.
Student talent exploration in academic and non-academic interests and abilities is taught and celebrated.
Wellness supports include counselor, psychologist, restorative justice coordinator, dean of culture and a mental health partnership with Mental Health Center of Denver.
Family engagement is a priority, including early childhood outreach and education.
Community/school partnerships in the arts, leadership and athletics.
Extended day childcare before and after school.
Birth to 3-year-old program includes partnerships with DPS, Mile High Early Learning and University of Colorado Denver (UCD).
2. STUDENT TALENT IDENTIFICATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Schoolwide talent identification process in ECE through fifth grade using research-based tools.
All students have equal access to explore their talents in humanities, math and science, languages, arts, leadership and athletics.
Talent pool students are given access to GT servicing through both core instruction and GT teacher supplemental instruction.
“Twice-exceptional” identification and programming.
Instruction is planned to reach high standards; scaffold to support student acceleration and mastery.
GT practices include problem-based learning, differentiation, compacting, scaffolding, acceleration and cluster grouping.
Our school-developed, standards-based curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking skills, social justice and humanities, and is differentiated to meet the needs of students and highlight cultural responsiveness.
Full-day 3- and 4-year-old early childhood education program.
English language development and biliteracy supports for native speakers of other languages; pathway to biliteracy recognition.
4. HIGH-LEVEL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Electives include art, music, dance, languages, physical education and technology.
Talent expos are expressive (art show), enlightened (leadership forum) and healthy (field day).
Afterschool enrichment includes drama, leadership, Legos, soccer, running, architecture, careers and languages.
Competitive clubs for academic and non-academic interests.
Field studies, including business visits, mentoring, community service, and college-to-career exposure.
5. INNOVATIVE TEACHER DEVELOPMENT
Teacher-development pipeline program with UC Denver.
All teachers receive training on Gifted and Talented instructional practices.
Opportunities for teachers to pursue advanced certifications. Extended time for collaboration and planning.
Teacher leaders provide coaching, feedback and leadership development.