Grand Peaks, Sorella Housing Opportunity for DPS Teachers: FAQ
The DPS Foundation is thrilled to announce a partnership with Grand Peaks Property Management to provide discounted housing for up to ten Denver Public Schools classroom teachers or paraprofessionals at the Sorella Apartments in Loretto Heights. The complex is located at 3000 W Bates Ave, Denver, CO 80236, and available units include one-bedroom and studio apartments. This opportunity is designed to reduce housing costs and provide stable, supportive housing for DPS educators.
Sorella is a brand-new community that blends laid-back luxury with vibrant Denver energy, offering a refined living experience in a dynamic setting. Residents enjoy access to a thoughtfully designed collection of amenities, including a state-of-the-art 24/7 fitness center, a resort-style pool (coming soon), multiple outdoor spaces with kitchens, BBQ grills, and fire pits, as well as a stylish rooftop lounge with a private patio deck.
- Move-in date: July 1, 2025
- Lease term: One year
- Rent: Offered at a 50% discount, monthly rent could start as low as $876 and would vary depending on unit selected
- Note: Rent is not guaranteed past the one-year lease.
Eligibility
- Who can apply:
- Current DPS classroom teachers (defined as licensed educators teaching at least part-time in a DPS classroom) and paraprofessionals.
- Income restrictions:
- Units are available only to individuals or households earning no more than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- What is AMI?
AMI stands for Area Median Income, a measure set by HUD that represents the midpoint of household incomes in a region. It determines eligibility for housing programs and varies by household size and location.
Please refer to the chart below for current AMI limits.
| Area Median Income | HOUSEHOLD SIZE | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 5 Person | 6 Person | |
| 80% | $78,480 | $89,680 | $100,880 | $112,080 | $121,120 | $130,080 |
If you leave DPS employment during the 2025-2026 school year, you will be required to work directly with Grand Peaks to remain in the unit and pay market rate rent to continue residency.
Process
- How to apply:
- Eligible individuals must enter a drawing to be considered.
- Only one entry per teacher or paraprofessional is allowed.
- If selected, the winner must complete the application personally.
- Applications will be processed in the order of confirmation.
- What happens after selection:
- All adult occupants (age 18+) must complete a rental application.
- A general background check will be required.
- The Sorella leasing team must receive completed applications 48 hours before move-in for screening.
- Reminder: Only ten applicants will be selected for this opportunity.
- Promotional option:
DPS, the DPS Foundation, and Grand Peaks would love to highlight this opportunity and share your story via social media, newsletters, etc.—only if you’re interested. This has no impact on your eligibility and will simply be an optional question on the drawing form.
Rules
- Only one entry per eligible applicant (teacher or paraprofessional).
- Applications must be completed by the selected recipient.
- All adult occupants must complete standard leasing forms and background checks.
- This is expected to be the selected recipient’s full-time residence
- Applicants must meet income eligibility requirements (see AMI chart above).
Sorella Rental Criteria and Lease Information for DPS Participants
Key Terms and Conditions
Below are the key terms and conditions you should know about the lease you’d be signing if selected for this opportunity:
- Application fee: Waived ($0).
- Income requirements: Units are available only to individuals or households earning no more than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This is inclusive of all income – including salary and other revenue.
- Security deposit: Waived for the initial 12-month DPS program.
- Lease agreement: Will reflect market rent, but will include provisions stating that the rent amount will be discounted 50% through the DPS program for the 12-month lease term.
- Pet policy: Standard pet qualifications and pet fees apply, to be paid by the resident.
- Utilities: All utility charges must be paid by the resident on a customized billing schedule.
- Parking: Parking garage fees apply and must be paid by the resident.
- Standard lease addendums: Must be signed by all occupants.