Denver Public Schools opened its doors to thousands of students returning to class on Thursday, some at newly opened schools, some at old schools with a new energy.
“Its really so exciting to bring something from the ground up with all the community rallying around a common goal,” said Swigert-McAuliffe International School principal Chuck Raisch.
This fall, DPS opened 13 new schools, among them was Swigert-McAuliffe which serves more than 300 pre-K through second grade students. The school will be expanded each year to serve students through eighth grade.
Swigert-McAuliffe, the third school in the fast growing Stapleton neighborhood, was built using savings from a 2008 voter-approved bond.
The school is opening as an innovation school, with autonomy to extend the school day — this year by 15 minutes each day — and to use an alternative math curriculum.
“We worked hard with the community to determine what they wanted and were able to respond to their requests,” Raisch said. “It’s a rare opportunity.”
The school will also be the fourth in the district to offer an international baccalaureate program for elementary students, including for the 3 and 4 year olds in the early childhood program.
Yesenia Robles: 303-954-1372 or yrobles@denverpost.com
