When looking for a good high school in Denver, the name DSST often comes up.

Denver School of Science and Technology, as the name suggests, is a public charter school strong in STEM education, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

It is particularly known for being a public school that does not charge tuition while also preparing students for college and achieving high academic success.

However, thinking of DSST as just one high school can be a bit confusing. DSST is not a single school but a network that operates several middle and high schools in the Denver area.

There are various campuses, including Montview, Green Valley Ranch, Conservatory Green, Cole, and Byers, which share a basic educational philosophy and academic standards.

Therefore, if you are looking for a home while considering DSST, it is better to check which campus you are thinking of rather than simply looking for "near DSST."

The most significant feature of DSST is, of course, academics. The school places great importance on math and science education, as indicated by its name, Science and Technology.

That said, it is not a school exclusively for STEM students. Basic subjects necessary for college, such as English, social studies, and foreign languages, are also treated with considerable importance.

The goals emphasized by the school are relatively clear. It aims not just to guide students to graduate high school but to prepare them to be ready to study in college. As a result, some students may feel that the class atmosphere, assignments, attendance, and rules are stricter than those of typical public schools.

DSST garners particular attention because of the diversity of its student backgrounds.

It is not a school that gathers only students from affluent families to achieve good grades; rather, it has students from various income levels and racial backgrounds studying together. This active support for college readiness has led to frequent mentions in the American education sector.

The admission process is also different from that of private schools. Unlike typical prestigious private schools that require good test scores for admission, DSST is a public charter school, so there are no tuition fees. You can apply through the school choice system in the Denver area, and if there are too many applicants for a specific campus, a lottery may be applied. Therefore, it should not be assumed that good grades guarantee admission.

There are also activities like sports and clubs. However, the school's focus is strongly aligned with STEM and college preparation, so the atmosphere is different from that of athletic powerhouse high schools or arts-focused schools. Students interested in robotics, computers, or science-related activities may find it a better fit.

If you are moving to Denver and looking for schools for your children, DSST is definitely worth considering. However, rather than simply concluding that "DSST is the best school in Denver," it is important to compare the performance and programs of each campus, commuting distances, and school atmospheres. Even though they share the name DSST, there are differences in student composition and educational environments among the campuses.

Ultimately, the advantages of DSST are quite clear. You can receive a solid education without paying expensive private school tuition, especially with a strong focus on STEM and college readiness. For families planning their children's education around public schools in Denver, it is certainly worth considering.