OUR HISTORY

A LONG TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE

The roots of Denver Christian Schools date back to the organization’s founding when, in 1916, a small group of committed Christian parents and pastors combined their resources to help realize the vision of a Christian day school in the Denver metropolitan area.

 

 

 

 

 

The First Denver Christian School on Florida & Clarkson

From 1910-1916, school sessions were held at The Fleming School.  Then in 1916,  the Florida and Clarkson campus was constructed and Denver Christian Schools had its first official school campus.  A majority of the classes were initially taught in Dutch.  Admission was open to all members of the community who accepted the school’s policies.

By 1919, Denver Christian Schools had developed a student body of up to 56 students.  The depression did not leave the school unaffected though. Teachers’ salaries were cut and promissory notes were given to the teachers in lieu of payment, however, they remained dedicated to the school and the education of their students. Despite the hard times of the depression, enrollment in Denver Christian Schools kept increasing.

 

Denver Christian High School on Pearl St.

In the 40’s the decision was made to forge ahead with the development of a high school. In 1945, Denver Christian High School was incorporated into the State of Colorado.  The high school campus on Pearl Street opened its doors in 1950. In 1957 the gymnasium at the high school was opened.

 

 

VanDellen Elementary Denver Christian Campus

Then in 1959, the Van Dellen School Campus on Warren and Iliff, named after Reverend Idzerd Van Dellen, opened its doors. The school then had 3 campuses. In 1976, a preschool class was added to the Van Dellen Campus.

 

 

 

In 1970, Denver Christian Schools won their first State title in AA Basketball.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlands Ranch Denver Christian School on Dad Clark Dr.

Then in 1988, Denver Christian Schools expanded their market into the newly built suburb of Highlands Ranch with the opening of the Highlands Ranch Christian School campus of Denver Christian Schools on Dad Clark Drive.

 

 

 

Today Denver Christian as a PreK – 12th Grade School in Lakewood

So you see, Denver Christian Schools has quite a growth story. It grew from its humble origins in a small building on Florida and Clarkson streets in Denver, to a three-campus system, to our new home as of 2014 in a beautiful centralized campus in Lakewood that offers an excellent pre-school through 12th grade education to more than 500 students.

Having recently celebrated our 100th year, Denver Christian School looks to continue to honor our past while reimagining the future of Christian education for students throughout the Denver metro area. We hold tight and proud to our loyal alumni and countless supporters who believe in the spirit and mission of DC.