Early College

In our mission to create an inclusive environment in which every child succeeds, a select number of DPS high schools have received early college designation from the state of Colorado. Through partnerships with local colleges and universities, this early college model allows students to take free college-level courses while in high school, and creates an intentional pathway that leads to a college degree. DPS is proud to be part of this national movement to make college accessible to all students.

Through a DPS early college, students may remain enrolled in their high school beyond four years (until the age of 21) and continue taking college classes. The goal is for each early college student to earn 60 college credit hours— an associate degree— upon graduation.

A High School Diploma

60 College Credit Hours

Real-World Experience

“Our students are very quickly put in a college mindset with higher levels of accountability. The intent is for them to leave with an associate degree or certification; it’s a great way to get our kids ready for college."

Suzanne Morris- Sherer  

   Instructional Superintendent for West Early College

Where are DPS Early Colleges located?

Beginning in fall 2018, DPS will have seven high schools – six district-run schools and one charter school – that will follow a state-designated early college model. 

Northeast Early College

Early College

CEC Early College

Panthers MLK Early College

Denver School of Innovation and Sustainable Design

Manual

“Early College has given me the opportunity to take Sports Medicine, Biomedical Science, and Medical Preparation courses that give me a head start into the field. Most of these courses also carry the rigorous work college classes offer, which has strengthened me as a scholar,”

Aracely  

   CEC Early College Graduate

DPS Early College graduate, Aracely, speaking at a student panel roundtable discussion with Colorado Department of Higher Education Executive Director Dr. Kim Hunter Reed.

DPS Early College graduate, Aracely, speaking at a student panel roundtable discussion with Colorado Department of Higher Education Executive Director Dr. Kim Hunter Reed.