The top reported proficiency rate is 22% in English language arts. The lowest is 8% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Dsst: Cole Middle School
DSST: Cole Middle School is a charter school within Denver Public Schools, serving grades six through eight in the Cole neighborhood of Denver. It is a regular school, not a magnet or alternative program, and operates under a performance contract with the district.
The student body is relatively small for a middle school and is predominantly Hispanic, with Black students making up the next largest group. White students and students of other backgrounds are present in small numbers. The vast majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high-poverty population. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not reported, so families should ask the school directly about how these populations are served.
State assessment results for the 2024-2025 school year show that proficiency rates in math, English language arts, and science are low. When compared to other Denver County districts, the school’s overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades falls in the bottom quartile. Participation rates on the exams were high, so the results reflect nearly the entire student body. A parent considering this school would want to understand what academic supports are in place and how the school is working to improve student outcomes.
The school is located in Denver’s 80205 zip code, an area with a mix of older housing stock and newer development. Home values in the area are roughly in line with the wider Denver market, and rents are typical for the city. The cost of housing relative to income is high, both locally and nationally, and the Denver metro area has seen sustained population growth. Denver itself is a major employment center with a diverse economy spanning aerospace, technology, health care, and government, and it serves as a transportation hub for the region.
At the district level, Denver Public Schools has recently passed a large bond measure for facility improvements and safety upgrades, adopted a new evidence-based literacy curriculum for elementary grades, and moved to a unified enrollment system for school choice. These changes could affect DSST: Cole indirectly, but as a charter the school has some independence in its operations and curriculum. The district also approved a mill levy override to increase teacher pay and expand mental health services, which may benefit the school through shared district resources.
For a family evaluating this school, the picture is one of a charter serving a high-needs population in an urban setting, with academic performance that warrants close examination. The school’s small size and charter status may offer a more focused environment than a larger traditional middle school, but the test results suggest that many students are not yet meeting grade-level standards. Because data on course offerings, staffing ratios, discipline rates, and attendance was not available, a thorough look at the school’s website and a conversation with the principal would be important next steps. The surrounding Denver neighborhood provides access to a full range of city amenities, but housing costs are significant.
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