East High School

A model of an integrated urban educational community

 http://east.dpsk12.org/

Location: 1600 City Park Esplanade, Denver, CO

Principal: John Youngquist

Background

The first high school in Denver, East High initially opened its doors to educate students in a log cabin in 1859. Today located in a majestic building near City Park, East High School is an official Denver Historic Landmark and the high school home for 2080 students in central Denver.  East is a model of a highly mobile but integrated community which allows its students to experience people of different cultures, races and economic backgrounds, attracting over half of its population from out of district enrollment.

East provides a rigorous and balanced learning experience. Its students currently reign as champions of Colorado State Soccer and Rugby and have been the National Champions in the “We the People” Constitutional Law program for the past three years. East’s creative and bold academic offerings provide students with the highest levels of academic rigor and provide strong preparation for college and beyond. East boasts the highest rate of performance and growth of any fully inclusive Denver high school on CSAP 2008 testing. The school offers 22 advanced placement courses, the most available in any Denver Public School. In 2009, 85 percent of East graduates enrolled in college.

Partnering to Prepare Urban Teachers

East High School is one of the schools identified as an Urban Apprentice School, served by Metro State College’s Urban Teacher Partnership. Metro State holds its secondary education Classroom Management, Planning and Assessment in Secondary Schools classes on site at East. Over the past few years, East High School teachers have generously served as cooperating teachers and professional mentors for secondary pre-service students conducting their field and student teaching assignments. Metro State’s pre-service students in turn provide welcome support to classroom teachers, teaching classes, reinforce instruction by working with students in small groups and one-to-one, and assist at school events as needed.

School Community

Student Population: East’s diverse student population of 2080 represents a broad range of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. The ethnic breakdown of the school is: 44 percent White, 34 percent Black, 18 percent Hispanic, nearly 2 percent Asian and 1.5 percent American Indian. Approximately 35 percent of East’s students qualify for free or reduced rate lunch. Over 60 percent of students choose East High School while residing within other school boundary areas. East is the only fully inclusive and traditional DPS high school that maintains a waitlist for enrollment. The school is an Indian Focus School with specific programs and services targeted for the district’s Native American population.

Staff: There are 100 teachers at East High School. The average ratio of students to teacher in the classroom is 20:1. The average number of years of teaching experience held by the school’s teachers is 9.

Parents/Community: Parents, alumni and the local business and non-profit community are very active in the workings of East High School. Support groups include:

• The Angel Alliance representing the schools two alumni groups (Alumni and Friends and Ancient Angels)

• The Angel Foundation (raising funds to support East students, academics and activities)

• The Student Assistance Fund (ensuring that no student is left behind due solely to economic need)

• Angle Pride (serving East’s community by focusing on the facility needs of the building and grounds)

In addition, businesses and non-profit groups, from Kiwanis to Goodwill Enterprises to the Denver Scholarship Foundation and others support East’s students on a daily basis through their programs.