DMIS History
For more than 30 years, Denver Montclair International School has meant the world to its students.
Here’s a quick look at how far we’ve come:
1977
French parents wanting their children to understand the French language and culture in keeping with France’s academic standards found Denver International School (DIS). The school’s first location is in the Universalist Church at the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Hampden Avenue.
1982
To accommodate its growing enrollment, the school moves to a bigger building on Holly Street in Denver.
1990
DIS is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and becomes part of a network of French schools in 126 countries.
1997
DIS celebrates its 20th anniversary. The school also develops a collaboration with Hamilton Middle School in Denver to continue offering French classes to DIS alumni in grades 6-9.
2000
DIS offers a German-language program.
2001
DIS continues to grow by offering a Spanish-language program. The program receives the highest level of recognition from the Spanish Ministry of Education.
2002
DIS celebrates its 25th anniversary.
2003
DIS’ German program is replaced with a Mandarin Chinese program launched in recognition of China and Asia’s growing influence on the world economy.
2005
The Education Department of Guangzhou, China, accredits DIS’ Mandarin language program. DIS also moves to Elm Street in Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood to accommodate its growing enrollment. The ribbon-cutting is attended by Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper; City Council President Rosemary Rodriquez; Councilwoman-at-large Carol Boigon and several diplomats, consulate representatives and business leaders.
2007
DIS celebrates its 30th anniversary.
2009
DIS merges with Montclair Academy (which was established in 1980) to become Denver Montclair International School. The combination provides students with beautiful grounds and facilities that accommodate expanded art, music and physical education programs. Nearly 350 students representing almost 30 nationalities come together every day to be immersed in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese or French instruction with DMIS’ native-speaking teaching staff. DMIS also becomes Colorado’s only certified Mandarin language proficiency test center accredited by the Office of Chinese Language Council International, also known as Hanban.
2010
DMIS announces plans to open a middle school in the fall of 2011. The school also begins the application process to become an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the Middle Years Programme to students in grades 6-8. DMIS is named one of Denver’s top private schools by 5280 magazine.
