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Core classes at Denver Center for International Studies include Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies at all grade levels. There is also an International Studies component that has five areas of focus. Students successfully completing all five are eligible for the Diploma of International Studies.
International Studies Foundations
Cultures & Cross Cultural Communication
International Studies & Issues
World Geography
Comparative Governments
World History
World Languages
Chinese
Spanish
French
Italian
Japanese
Lakota
Core Classes
Science
Math
Language Arts
Social Studies
International Passages (High School Only)
Two major experiential projects (scroll down for examples)
One college-quality 15 page research paper
School Responsibilities (High School Only)
DCIS School Service
Community Service
Cultural Events
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| | Personal interaction with current leaders is a form of active-learning DCIS students experience as part of their education at DCIS and for some. Since opening as a stand-alone school in 2006 our students have had the opportunity to meet or attend lectures given by:
The First Lady of El Salvador
Ambassador Safieh (Head of the PLO Mission to the U.S)
The Dalai Lama
Desmond Tutu
Costa Rican President Oscar Arias
The French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte
Former President Bill Clinton
The Mexican Ambassador
Former U.S Senator Gary Hart
United Nations Foundation President Tim Wirth
Madeline Albright
As much as possible, faculty integrate guest speakers into their classroom teaching. One example of this type of exposure to issues being faced by people in other countries is shown below:
A DCIS World History teacher welcomed 10 Lebanese Youth workers into his 9th grade History class. In small groups, students were able to discuss the current political issues in Lebanon, a comparison of youth culture in both countries, educational systems, and much more. In class, a discussion centered on the historical roots of the present-day political conflicts in the Middle East region.
As much as possible, we also organize interactive forums to showcase cultural diversity, international experiences, and the school’s engagement with global affairs in all-school assemblies. Presentations have included a United Nations Day celebration, the Moon Festival, two Fulbright Scholars who had spent time in Syria and Yemen, The Word By Road expedition, a speaker on Immigration policy, a talk by Ambassador Safieh and Seeking Common Ground’s Building Bridges for Peace program. | |
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As a college prepatory school we believe it's important to offer a range of levels for courses our students can take. DCIS offers Honors classes, Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Dual Enrollment courses where students may earn both high school and college credit.
DCIS currently offer the following Advanced Placement courses:
AP English Literature; AP English Language; AP Human Geography; AP US History; AP World History; AP Calculus; AP Biology; AP French; AP Italian and AP Spanish. Future offerings will include AP Chinese and AP Japanese.
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| | Experience is a key ingredient to DCIS students' involvement in the school community. The DCIS Responsibilities follow the concept of "thinking globally and acting locally." It is mandatory for every high-school student to fulfill DCIS School and Community Requirements. These are the minimum we expect from students and most students exceed the requirements due to the number of opportunities offered and the desire of students to be engaged.
Three kinds of experience are required on a continuing basis:
Program Service. Each student takes on tasks during each semester that contribute to the school. These responsibilities cover a wide range of activities, from helping to beautify the school and grounds to recruiting new students into the school.
Community Service. This experience is important in making connections between global issues and problems that we need to face in our own communities. Service projects are required each semester. Opportunities for Community Service are usually discussed at all-school meetings and in classes.
Special Events. Participation in Special Events involving international or cross-cultural issues is required each semester. Such events are common occurrences in DCIS, and they include field trips, conferences, debates, Model United Nations competitions, special speakers and seminars. | |
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Cross Cultural Studies
- In-depth comparison of teen culture in Kunming
, China and Denver, Colorado (research conducted in the field during a 3-week trip to Kunming)
Travel to Mexico to observe and interview the Chivas soccer team; similar observation and interview of the Colorado Rapids; comparison of coaching, training methods and cultures of both
International Travel
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Semester studying abroad in Italy
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Prep for travel to Paris, research on various sites to visit, after return created and published a tour guide book, read The Hunchback of Notre Dame and wrote a reflection
School Service, Club Coordination & Leadership
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Development of a school-wide recycling program, involved coordinating volunteers, distribution of receptacles, collection of waste, school-wide education program
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DCIS yearbook club leadership and coordination
Pursuit of Specific Academic/Intellectual Interests
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In-depth study of various philosophers, paper series analyzing their work, student-led comparison and contrast lecture/discussion
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Helping establish a DCIS Travel Resource Center
Internships and Volunteer Experience
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Leader-in-Training at Building Bridges for Peace camp. BBFP brings together young women (16-19) from Israel, Palestine and the United States to participate in an intensive summer program
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Medical internship in India with coordination by the Denver Rotary Club
Community and International Service
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Fundraising for the Heifer Project, an international grassroots sustainable development organization
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Coordination of donations for local migrant worker population, regular visits with the workers to assist them with gleaning important information for them and their families
Event Coordination
Career Investigation and Planning
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Investigation of careers in law focusing on female and Latina attorneys
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Working with a local filmmaker to learn to film, produce, direct and edit short films using professional software
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| |  For each class and required experience students select representative work, or documentation of work, and place it in a portfolio. Teachers work with students to keep the portfolio complete and current, so that at the end of the senior year the portfolio is ready for a formal presentation. This presentation is scheduled for a panel consisting of a DCIS teacher, community representatives, and a fellow student. The presentation results in a recommendation for the Diploma of International Studies by the panel, which becomes part of the portfolio.
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| | Many students aim to achieve this high honor! To be eligible, students must:
- Be a member of National Honor Society
- Complete four International Passages
- Contribute at least 80 hours of Community Service
- Complete at least 40 hours of DCIS School Service
- Attend at least 32 Cultural Events
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