Uniquely DMIS
Denver Montclair International School offers an unparalleled educational experience. We take pride in our long history of using the best teaching methods from around the globe to raise up students who are prepared not only for universities in the United States and abroad, but also for world leadership.
Among the things that set us apart:
Our high standards. DMIS recruits and retains only the best administrators, faculty and students. We require that lead teachers be native speakers of the languages they are teaching. As an independent, private school, we have the ability to address very quickly matters that compromise our commitment to academic excellence. We also have the flexibility to meet federal and state standards while delivering instruction rooted in more than 30 years of experience in full-immersion, bilingual education.
Our approach. We believe full immersion is the only way for children to learn a language with native proficiency. Our strong bilingual, full-immersion model takes advantage of the narrow window in which experts in child psychology and education say children can learn second and third languages without much difficulty. We actively promote opportunities for parents to learn alongside their children. Many DMIS parents value our school because they, too, gain foundational instruction in a second language and world cultures.
Our size. Personal attention is one of the hallmarks of a DMIS education. Every child is challenged on an individual basis, and teachers know each of their students well.
Our world travels. DMIS is the only elementary school in the Denver region offering 5th grade students study-abroad opportunities. Each year, 5th graders in our French and Spanish language houses travel to France and Spain, where they live with host families for two weeks and study alongside their peers in DMIS’ sister schools. Trips to China and England are expected to launch in 2011. Our international faculty and administration have professional and personal ties around the world that make it possible for DMIS families to experience culture and language immersion. For example, several DMIS parents with preschool children have worked voluntarily at summer camps in Spain.
Our community. DMIS is a cultural center not only for its students. We offer opportunities for everyone to learn more about the world around us. For example, about 1,500 people attend our annual International Bash Spring Festival, a day of games, live entertainment and ethnic cuisine. We also engage Denver’s business community through our Community Partners program, which is designed to support our school’s mission while also promoting aspects of the global economy. DMIS parents — many of whom are from around the world — frequently connect over casual coffees and during fun evening events, such as our night watching Colorado Rapids soccer, our annual holiday trip to The Nutcracker ballet and our spring fundraising gala.
Our rich traditions. Since 1977, DMIS students have experienced many of the same celebrations, holidays and cultural observances treasured by children throughout the world. The Chinese New Year is always a festive time of games, such as GO chess; dance; song and Kung Fu. Our colorful dragon boat and powerful rowing team compete at the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. Students don traditional costumes and enjoy ethnic cuisine during Francophone Week, a time set aside to explore the uniqueness of French-speaking countries. During Hispanic Heritage Week, students visit places related to Spanish-speaking countries, such as ethnic markets, restaurants and cultural art exhibits. Sports Day encourages athleticism and teamwork. Our schoolwide celebration of Mardi Gras is always a student favorite complete with beads, costumes, musical performances – and crepes and King’s cakes for all.
Our vibrant campus. We’re located in the heart of Denver’s Lowry neighborhood. Our proximity to historical sites, museums, public recreation facilities and businesses makes it easy for us to host guest presenters and to help students learn through experience.
