Those who think they have the key to creating the perfect school — especially one for middle schoolers and kids in danger of dropping out — have the chance now to share that big idea.
Denver Public Schools Monday formally launched its request for the proposal process for new schools — an effort to get individuals or groups to start new district schools.
While proposals for any type of school will be accepted, the district specifically seeks new high-performing programs for grades six to eight and options for secondary students who are at risk of dropping out. Those could include schools specifically for those ages as well as K-8 or schools for grades six through 12.
The district shows 90 percent of students dropping out have too few credits to move to the next grade, and nearly a third are older than their classmates.
The Denver Classroom Teacher Association said that it is preparing a proposal for a teachers’ union school.
Applicants may submit letters of intent by April 18 for the early stage and June 27 for the regular cycle.
Final proposals are due by May 16 for the early stage or Sept. 12 for the regular cycle.
