Denver, CO

DOWNTOWN DENVER EXPEDITIONARY SCHOOL

EIN 46-0869534

Education & Youth Development K-12 Schools Children & youth

Mission

To provide a dynamic and transformative Expeditionary Learning education that empowers K–5 students to explore, discover, and grow through hands-on, real-world experiences while fostering academic excellence, social-emotional development, and responsible citizenship.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) school Contributions are tax-deductible

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About DOWNTOWN DENVER EXPEDITIONARY SCHOOL

Downtown Denver Expeditionary School (DDES) is a tuition-free K–5 public charter school in Denver that opened in 2013 and operates under Denver Public Schools authorization. DDES follows the Expeditionary Learning (EL) model, using the city as a campus to deliver hands-on expeditions, fieldwork, and character-focused programming.

The school serves a diverse student body drawn from across the Denver metro area and emphasizes academic growth, social-emotional learning, and outdoor/adventure experiences (including overnight camping and regular fieldwork). Recent publicly posted documents show active operations and governance: an updated Family Handbook (June 2024), publicly available financial reports (2024 financials), and recent federal Form 990 filings; NCES data lists total enrollment of 263 students for the 2024–2025 school year.

Notable achievements

Established Downtown Elementary (2013)

Opened in 2013 as the first public elementary school located in downtown Denver in over 100 years, creating a new neighborhood option and drawing students from across the metro area.

Startup Grants & Distinction

Secured early start-up support including a Walton Family Foundation startup grant and a Colorado Department of Education charter start-up/implementation grant, earning distinction status during start-up.

Expeditionary Learning Implementation

Implemented Expeditionary Learning core practices schoolwide, including project-based expeditions, robust fieldwork, and an established adventure program (day trips and overnight experiences) as part of the curriculum.

At a glance

Total assets: $3.5M
Annual revenue: $5.4M
Tax status: 501(c)(3)School
EIN: 46-0869534
Location: Denver, CO
Website: ddeschool.org
On Mahalo since: September 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

Authorized and renewed by Denver Public Schools as a K–5 charter school and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

Listed in Colorado Department of Education SchoolView performance reporting (2024 1-Year SPF reports) and noted as meeting required statewide test participation thresholds.

Maintains public financial transparency with posted annual financial reports and IRS Form 990 filings available to the public.

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