Denver School of Science and Technology’s Cole High School: Center of Excellence

Shining a Spotlight on Promising Practices for Students with Disabilities in the Charter Sector

The National Center for Special Education in Charter Schools identified four charter schools from across the country as “Centers of Excellence” to showcase and share examples of charter schools that leverage their autonomy particularly well to benefit students with disabilities. Each Center of Excellence enrolls a proportionate or higher number of students with disabilities relative to the district where the school is located, demonstrates an explicit commitment to developing exemplary programs with a focus on inclusion, and achieves higher-than-average outcomes for students with disabilities. Each Center of Excellence profile is designed to share the story of an outstanding school that provides particular insight into how charter schools – and all public schools – can provide exemplary services to students with disabilities.

This report shines a spotlight on Cole High School and the systems and practices it uses to create a learning environment where students with disabilities can thrive.