Summary
Organization name
Downtown Denver Expeditionary School
other names
DDES
2012
Tax id (EIN)
46-0869534
Category
Education
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
1860 Lincoln StDenver, CO 80203
Denver County, CO, US
DDES is Downtown Denver's first public elementary school. We employ the rich resources of our Denver urban community to enable all students to achieve academic and personal excellence to become responsible citizens by truly utilizing the "city as our campus".
Testimonials
"We have been blessed beyond words at DDES. The EL model of education is a place where both of my boys, with very different learning styles, can grow and learn. The community has been so supportive and encouraging. We are so thankful we are here! My boys run in to school everyday!" ~DDES Parent
"After his two day camping adventure, my child reported being really proud of himself, because he was a leader and helped his crew with tenacity a lot. Celebrating adventure allows our son, who may not always lead in the classroom, the chance to shine." ~DDES Parent
"The expeditionary learning model was essential for our family as we looked at schools, but what really pushed DDES over the edge was the amazing adventure program. The kids get to practice independence, perseverance, problem solving and being a good community member all while outside in nature. It's truly incredible."~DDES Parent
Mission
The Downtown Denver Expeditionary School (DDES) is an expeditionary learning K-5 public charter school in Denver Public Schools. We seek to richly implement the core principles, practices, and curriculum of EL Education to offer a diverse, caring and collaborative learning environment while utilizing the city as our campus.
Background Statement
The Downtown Denver Expeditionary School (DDES) is an expeditionary learning K-5 public charter school in Denver. We were founded in 2013 by parents, community members, and business leaders who desired a high performing elementary school in downtown Denver. The expeditionary learning approach to teaching and learning makes subjects come alive for students by connecting learning to real-world issues and needs. The expeditionary learning model provides academically rigorous learning expeditions, case studies, projects, fieldwork, and service-learning projects to children of all backgrounds and ability levels.
We are a geographically and socio-economically diverse school, currently serving a large cross section of Denver’s elementary students. Our student body lives in 46 Denver Metro zip codes! We serve approximately 245 students in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Currently, approximately 33% of our students qualify for the Free and/or Reduced Lunch program and 45% are students of color. We also serve a small number of families who are currently experiencing homelessness.
Funds raised by the school support our entire program, including small class sizes, teaching assistants in each classroom, academic interventions, our field work and adventure program, the maintenance of our green space as well as family engagement. Recognizing a real need, we have worked over the last few years to layer on social emotional supports for our students. These include a regular Crew block, a strong mental health team, a therapy dog and offerings (such as movement, creation lab and music) supporting the whole child.
Learn more at www.ddeschool.org
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Organization Data
Denver, CO 80203