Denver Public Schools
Martin Luther King Jr. Early College
About the Early College
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Introduction
Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College is a school targeted for “revitalization” by the Denver Public Schools. Currently 6th through 10th grade, the Early College will be adding 11th graders in Fall 2008 and 12th graders in Fall 2009 until approximately 500 high school students are enrolled, with the first seniors graduating in 2010.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College students will be transformed into young adults fully prepared for post-secondary learning. The program combines: (i) a strong, college-prep curriculum with extensive academic support and counseling; (ii) college-level courses offered through the Community College of Aurora; and (iii) structured internships offered by area businesses, organized around various “majors.”
Students at the Early College will benefit from the rigorous curriculum and strong school culture. High expectations, zealous support, and exposure to multiple learning opportunities make the Early College a unique environment for students committed to character development, academic achievement, and a future full of possibility.
Application Process
Middle School (6-8)
The middle school grades (6th-8th) enroll students through the typical choice process. Students who live in the boundary area generally shall be able to enroll. Simply come to the main office at 19535 E. 46th Avenue. To find out if Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College serves your address, use this link to the School Locator. If you live outside the boundary area, contact the school office at 720-424-0420 to determine whether the school is accepting middle school students. If the school is at capacity, students will be directed to enroll at Smiley Middle School at 2540 Holly Street.
High School (9-12)
The high school grades (9th-12th) enroll students through an application process. Applicants must demonstrate an ability to successfully complete a college-prep curriculum. Students or their parents/guardians interested in applying for the Fall 2006 9th grade class should contact Rachel Bruce at 720-424-0466 to find out whether applications are still being accepted.
Applications for the 9th grade for Fall 2008 will be available October 2007. The deadline will be December 14, 2007. No 10th, 11th, or 12th grade student applications are being accepted.
The Denver Public Schools has developed a priority ladder for students applying to the Early College high school:
- Students currently enrolled at Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College as 8th graders.
- Students who live within the Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College boundary, but who attend school as 8th graders elsewhere (such as Rachel B. Noel or Omar D. Blair).
- Other students attending 8th grade in the Denver Public Schools.
- Other students attending 8th grade outside the Denver Public Schools.
There are four criteria evaluated by the application:
- Solid academic record.
Generally, students with a 3.0 GPA or better will have the best shot. However, students who have demonstrated academic progress toward college readiness will certainly be considered. - Willingness to commit to the program.
Applicants will write a paragraph outlining their genuine desire to continue to study at the Early College for the next four years as well as their determination to study at the post-secondary level. - Strong parental support.
Applicants’ parents will be asked to sign a parental commitment statement so we know they will support their sons or daughters through the rigorous program. - Demonstrated good behavior.
Applicants who have avoided discipline problems while in middle school will be considered more favorably than students who routinely get into trouble.
What is an Early College?
Early colleges are small schools designed to blend high school and college into a coherent educational program. Students can earn college credit and/or take college-level courses while they are earning a high school diploma. The academic partner for Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College is the Community College of Aurora.
By starting at the middle school level—in this case, 6th grade—and providing extensive support, early colleges ensure that all students are ready for college-level courses at the high school level.
Early college high schools are designed for young people who are underrepresented in postsecondary education. These students may not have had access to the academic preparation needed to meet college readiness standards, students for whom the cost of college is prohibitive, and students from minority backgrounds.
Early colleges reward hard work by giving students the opportunity to earn college credit without charge. Learning takes place in a personalize environment where significant effort is both demanded and supported. In the State of Colorado, tuition to the colleges is paid under the Post Secondary Enrollment Options Act (PSEO)
Specifically, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College also offers intensive internship opportunities so that students can see for themselves the real connection between post-secondary education and career advancement.
The Very Best Resources Possible
Denver Public Schools — Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College is a school targeted for “revitalization” by the Denver Public Schools. The highest levels of the Superintendent’s office are focused on awarding us the appropriate resources to accomplish this transformation.
Foundation for Educational Excellence — In addition, we have the sustained support of the Foundation for Educational Excellence, a non-profit organization formed by Oakwood Homes that is committed to raising educational achievement in the metro Denver area. Its Executive Director, Mr. Kelly Leid
Business Advisory Council — Numerous businesses in the Denver metro area are being contacted to solicit their financial and advisory support for the Early College. These are the companies that will provide internships to our students in the coming years.
Middle College National Consortium — The MCNC is a professional development organization for secondary and postsecondary public-sector educators. The Consortium provides ongoing technical assistance and support to both new and established middle college high schools as they implement educational reforms and engage in professional activities designed to help under-performing students meet high academic standards.
Community College of Aurora — Our academic partner, CCA, is the nearest community college and is committed to enrolling our students in their rigorous college courses.
Quick Facts about the Early College
| Location: | 19535 E. 46th Avenue, Denver, CO 80249 |
| Phone: | 720-424-0420 |
| Principal: | Mr. Anthony Taylor |
| Community Liaison: | Rachel Bruce, 720-424-0466 |
| Enrollment: | approximately 1200 (with 500 in the high school by 2010) |
| Grades: | currently 6th-8th; will be 6th-12th by 2010 |
| Freshman Class: | starting Fall 2006; 100-125 students |
"Majors" Under Development
| Name of Majors | Partners |
| Real Estate, Construction, and Architecture | Oakwood Homes, DU, CSU |
| Hospitality Management and Tourism | Johnson & Wales and DU |
| Information Technology | |
| (a) Computer Game Design | DU |
| (b) Supply Chain Management | UPS and Arizona State |
| Health Careers | CCA; Fitzsimons |
| Wildlife Biology / Conservation Careers | Rocky Mtn. Arsenal Wildlife Refuge |
Directions
Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College is located at 19535 E. 46th Avenue, close to the intersection of 48th (Green Valley Ranch Blvd.) & Tower. Traveling east on I-70, take the Peña Boulevard (DIA) exit. Then take the very first exit: 48th Avenue (Green Valley Ranch Blvd.). Turn right at the bottom of the exit ramp and head east. After crossing the stop light at Tower Road, travel approximately 8 more blocks and turn right on Flanders Way. As soon as you turn, you will see the school. Be sure to check in with the Main Office. We also have directions with color maps on our Contact Information page here at the MLK website.