The Denver Street School is a faith-based, private, secondary school serving the Metro Denver, inner-city community. Located in Lakewood, we accept students who have struggled in, dropped out of, or been expelled from other schools and need a more personalized approach to their education. The school is completely privately funded and accredited by Cognia.
The purpose of DSS is to bring hope, a second chance, and the love of Christ to Denver’s at-risk youth through quality education in a safe environment and a supportive network of loving, caring adults.
We believe that every student—regardless of their past choices or present environment—deserves the opportunity for a high-quality education and the hope of a promising future.
DSS is like a second home to me, and the staff is like family. It’s not like any other school. Out of all the tough times of loss, grief, depression, and even just those bad days, DSS has always been right there to support me. I love that even though the school is small, it makes such a big difference. ~ Zoey
DSS helped me when I didn’t really have anybody else to lean on. They helped me feel valued and loved. They accepted me, encouraged me, fed me, and taught me. Now I want to do something to help others, like maybe become a therapist or psychiatrist. ~ Yanitza
DSS helped me graduate. I literally tried to give up hundreds of times, but they wouldn’t let me. I learned that I can’t know my potential unless I apply myself. This school is a special place to me because I formed deep bonds with a few teachers who never gave up on me. They never expected me to be someone other than myself. I was valued and respected no matter what. ~ Tyler
Let's Do This Together!
Partnering with God’s work is an incredible way to invest in the lives of others. When you link arms with DSS, you’re aligning your heart and resources with our mission to bring hope to those students who are struggling. Your support helps them find confidence to work towards a brighter future.
The Denver Street School is 100% privately funded by people just like you. We don’t receive any federal or local government funding. Knowing that, we invite you to become a ministry partner and join us on this journey of bringing hope and healing to those who need it most.
Visit DenverStreetSchool.org for more information!
The mission of the Denver Street School is to bring hope, a second chance, and the love of Christ to Denver's at-risk youth through quality education in a safe environment and a supportive network of loving, caring adults.
DSS is a faith-based, private, secondary school serving the Metro Denver, inner-city community. Located in Lakewood, we’re a beacon of hope for struggling students who’ve been unable to find their place in traditional high schools. More than just an educational institution, it’s a place where they can discover the love of Jesus and find motivation to build a better future for themselves.
During the summer of 1979, Thomas Tillapaugh visited a discipleship home for street people. Tillapaugh, an educator, was struck by the fact that while the people who were living and rehabilitating in the home were working toward more productive lives, they still had a "street mentality" which would eventually draw them back to their old lifestyles. The missing component was a meaningful educational outreach that would not only instill a sense of self-esteem but also provide the tools for self-sufficiency.
With that vision in mind, Tillapaugh began classes in the dining room of a house at 1545 Ogden in 1985 with five students. The first graduating class consisted of three.
Organization name
Denver Street School
other names
DSS
2007
Tax id (EIN)
84-1216351
Category
Education
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
P.O. Box 140069Other
1380 AmmonsJefferson County, CO, US