The Denver Green School

Mission: In partnership with our diverse urban community, Denver Green School will provide a hands-on, brains-on experience that includes all students, staff, families and community, preparing all learners to lead the way toward a sustainable, bright and green future.

I recently attended an Open House at the Denver Green School (aka DGS). I didn’t know too much about it so I decided to meet my good friend, who lives in the neighborhood, and accompany her to learn more about the school and how it hopes to attract students. I wanted to see for myself the buzz surrounding this school that opens in the fall of 2010 (ECE, 1^st, 2^nd, 6^th grade). Each year a few more grade levels will be added and by the fall of 2013-2014, the school will reach its full capacity as an ECE-8^th grade school.

I had a chance to talk to several founders of this school. Everyone seemed extremely excited and passionate about the school and its possibilities. These administrators have worked tirelessly on addressing the needs of the school and carrying out its vision. I can’t imagine the amount of work that needs to be done when creating a school such as this. They were passionate about the school, the community, the building (and its expansion possibilities), the curriculum, the partnerships within the community, and the success they hope the school will have.

I heard from an enthusiastic teacher who spoke about the math curriculum called Investigations, a student-driven hands-on mathematical approach to learning. He talked a bit about the project-based learning model that will be used at the school too. He explained that children learn better by projects that interest them; they are more invested in their learning this way.

One of the founders of the school mentioned Earth Force and the Peaceful Person, two teaching methodologies, that will be integrated into the curriculum as well. I couldn’t help but think of the teacher training that will be involved. One of the most important things will be finding competent, driven staff members who share in this educational philosophy. DGS is in the process of hiring teachers right now.

There was talk of students of varying grade levels coming together as a “learning family” to engage in various projects. The topics the students study will tie in with the Colorado State Standards (after all it is a DPS) and the sustainability component will play a big part in the learning as well.

I was pretty inspired (yes, I’m an idealist) by what the founders had to say, the vision of DGS and what they hope to offer their students. I realize that this school has a long road ahead and I’m sure it’ll take quite some time to get established. Who doesn’t want to make a difference on this planet and at DGS, students will be provided many opportunities to do just that.

Here are a few things I learned about DGS:

• It’s a Neighborhood Performance School. You will be automatically enrolled if you live within the boundary of the school (contact DGS if you are unsure) and if you live outside the boundary, you may apply through the choice-in process.
• Performance School—meaning it has its own unique program design approved by the Denver School Board. Core academics such as reading, math, science, and history will be taught using a project–based learning model, along with a sustainability component.
• Two classrooms per grade level with an average class size of 25 students (upper grades 28 students)
• Community garden and other sustainability projects such as local, organic lunches (some from their future garden perhaps) and solar panels on the roof (they hope to walk the talk when it comes to having a green building).
• Democratic School Governance Model (the nine founders of DGS will share leadership)
• Longer school day (additional 45 minutes)
• Denver Green School not only emphasizes the “green movement” of today but a focus on the “whole” child and “whole” community. A belief in reducing one’s carbon footprint and focusing on environmental and social sustainability is also the goal.

If you have further inquiries, please use the contact information below.

Contact Information:

The Denver Green School (DGS)

6700 East Virginia Ave

(formerly Fallis Elementary)

Denver, CO 80224

303.918.4508

website: http://www.denvergreenschool.org/

denvergreenschool@gmail.com