Graduation season in Denver Public Schools (DPS) is a profoundly special and exciting time. Over the past couple of weeks it is estimated that more than 3,600* DPS students have crossed the commencement stage to receive their diploma and embark upon the next phase of their lives. Whether it’s attending college or joining the workforce, they are part of what is expected to be the largest DPS graduating class in several decades.

Graduation rates in DPS are on the rise, increasing more than 24 percentage points in the past six years. More than 1,000 DPS students will cross the graduation stage than did when reforms started nearly a decade ago.

Watch this short video, Next Stop, Ivy League: Celebrating the DPS Class of 2015.

You may recall your own high school graduation day: full of hope and anticipation for the future, and pride for having reached an important milestone in your education and in your life. Every child should have the opportunity to feel the pride of graduation from high school. And every child should benefit from the doors that will open when they’ve earned a high school diploma.

Thank you for being a part of the movement that is helping Every Child Succeed!

*Preliminary DPS Class of 2015 numbers