Located in far northeast Denver, the nationally-acclaimed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College serves college-bound students in grades six through twelve. Benefiting from a rigorous, college prep curriculum, a strong school culture, and zealous support from staff, our students experience a variety of learning opportunities, including Project-Based Learning, student portfolios, and internships. As a result, DMLK students are well-prepared for their post-secondary plans and beyond. Additionally, our school emphasizes the importance of leadership, community engagement, and personal growth, ensuring that our students are not only academically successful but also well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact in the world.
Our school is proud to offer students TUITION-FREE college classes while earning their high school diploma through concurrent enrollment. Additionally, DMLK offers the CareerConnect program, which accelerates students toward early career experience through community connections. CareerConnect introduces students to career-specific opportunities through field trips, mentor programs, internships, career training classes, and even job placements. These initiatives ensure that our students not only excel academically but also gain valuable real-world experience and professional skills, setting them up for success in their future careers.
DMLK’s CareerConnect pathways include:
We are also excited to offer our very own JROTC program, a character and leadership development program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces. Additionally, we provide gifted and talented programming on site, ensuring that all students have access to opportunities that match their interests and abilities.
DMLK understands the need to support the whole-child and offer health and wellness services for our students. We seek to foster the well-being of our students’ bodies, minds and souls and create a positive and safe environment that gives students a sense of belonging. Another area we provide a sense of belonging and inclusion are in our affinity groups and clubs. These groups provide mentoring and life skills as well as teach the history of different cultures.
DMLK also emphasizes the importance of student voice and advocacy through a social justice lens. It is here that we proactively provide spaces to hold discussions around current policy and practices as well as better understanding history. We also support students in driving positive change in working toward inclusivity and equity in education.
The Early College has been granted Innovation Status, which means that we are governed by a school leadership team called the School Governance Board (SGB). The SGB is comprised of staff, community members and student representatives. Innovation Status means our school has more control over its internal budget and calendar than typical district schools. We also have the ability to provide innovative strategies and curriculum based on the needs of our students and school.
In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., our early college community offers rigorous and meaningful education while empowering our students to become agents of change in our community and global society.
Our culture and values are what make our students successful. We are a community of students, teachers, parents, and faculty that deeply believe that in order to succeed in college, students need to be held to high expectations.
Travel east on I-70. Exit on Pena Boulevard (to DIA). Take the first exit off Pena Boulevard, onto Green Valley Ranch Blvd. Turn right (east) and travel through the Tower Road intersection. Pass through another stoplight at Argonne. Look for Flanders near the end of a long white picket fence and turn right (south). As soon as you turn onto Flanders, you will see the Early College! What you see is the back of our building. Front entrance is located on 46th Avenue on the south entrance of the building. Parking is available in the first lot for visitors.
**Visitors need to enter through the front door using the intercom.
“Actions match the words, especially when no one is watching.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Be on time, ready to work when your teacher starts class
Be where you are supposed to be
During class use your listening and studying skills
Maintain your focus in class
Recognize what others need
Don’t disturb others while working
Be cordial and positive
Show respect to all school personnel
Follow adult instructions when given as intended the first time asked
Use school appropriate language
Take pride in your school
Learn purposely
Own your success and learn from your failures
Mean what you say
Conduct yourself in a polite manner at all times
Keep in mind that other people are around you
Take care of your property and school property
Push yourself to the next level
Strive for the highest expectations
Education is the first priority
If you don’t like something, change it
Complete all assignments to the best of your ability and turn them in on time
Help yourself and others to the privilege of education
Demonstrate truthful and good behavior
The Early College offers a comprehensive programming for 6th through 12th grade students including: