The Joshua School Denver

A nonprofit organization

TJS was founded with the belief that each child is smart, competent and whole exactly as they are, and dignity is the birthright of each person. We believe our children and families have a right to aspire to a life of their choosing, and see the unique possibilities and potential in each student.

Testimonials

"The Joshua School has made a huge difference in Trevor's life. I'm not sure where we would be if that had not happened." -Peggy, Mother

"...Ryan is in the Transition Program and is an active part of the community. The Joshua School helped us shift our perspective from Ryan's limitations to seeing the sky being the limit. What a gift!" -Lisa, Mother

"The Joshua School has grown with Shae over the years. They have been great in meeting him as a growing teenager...and has benefited from talking to his male teachers about personal issues and feelings...as well as discussions about issues common to young men." -Marla, Mother

"My son enjoys school. At the Joshua School, there are people who really understand him and meet him where he is." -Victoria, Mother

Mission

The Joshua School is committed to helping individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities attain the highest quality of life, valuing each unique mind, body, and spirit.

Background Statement

The Joshua School was started by six educators who were working in a classroom for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities in the public schools. It had become very clear that a small school with controlled environment, budget, and personnel would have a more significant impact than what was possible in a larger system. In the Spring of 2002, a beloved student, Joshua, passed away. His death was the catalyst for moving forward in the creation of The Joshua Schooll. It was a poignant reminder that every day matters and that every day must be lived to its fullest. The staff began developing curriculum, business plans, and a model for an independent school. Planning took place after school and on weekends for over two years.

Then, after nine years in the public school classroom, all six educators left their jobs, cashed in their retirements or savings, and rented a few small rooms in the Olinger Mansion in Denver, Colorado. In the Fall of 2005, after much effort, The Joshua School was licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services and approved by the Colorado Department of Education as an "eligible facility," allowing public schools and agencies to utilize services provided by TJS. The first student arrived in October 2005. Shortly thereafter, in 2006, The Joshua School won 5280's Unsung Heroes Award and received national recognition from U.S. Representative Diana DeGette for its contribution to the community and to education in Colorado.

To create an organization that was financially solid, teachers agreed to receive only a percentage of their salaries until the school was full enough to sustain itself. Starting with three teachers receiving 15% of their salaries and gradually increasing to nine teachers, it took two complete school years to reach a place of financial stability. In the summer of 2007, staff received their first full paychecks and The Joshua School was on its way.

The Joshua School now employs over 100 staff members in it's Denver Campus, Boulder Campus and Joshua Early Childhood Center, and in it's parent organization, Joshua Inc. Staff include: teachers, behavioral therapists, early intervention specialists, instructional assistants, speech therapists, occupational therapists, a nurse, and many other professionals. Our headquarters and The Denver Campus are housed in the historic Brown Mansion located in Englewood, CO with over 1.5 acres of land and ample space including: six classrooms, a therapy gym, resource libraries, play rooms, a children's library, daily living skills areas, vocational training rooms, and much more.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

The Joshua School Denver

other names

TJS, The Joshua School

Year Established

2002

Category

Education

Organization Size

Large Organization

Address

The Joshua School Denver Campus 2303 E. Dartmouth Ave.
Englewood, CO 80113

Other

The Joshua School Boulder Campus 7077 Harvest Road
Boulder, CO 80301

Other

Joshua Early Childhood Center 5760 E Otero Ave
Centennial, CO 80112

Service areas

Arapahoe County, CO, US

Boulder County, CO, US

Phone

303-758-7171

Fax

303-758-9044

Other

303-974-7732

Other

720-316-5234

Social Media