The Division of Youth Services provides educational services to adjudicated youth committed to the Department of Human Services in six state operated secure commitment youth centers. The educational programs in place meet the complex needs of a diverse student population and include both general and special education services. The programs are varied and comprehensive with a focus on leading a youth to achieve a diploma, obtain a G.E.D, or access career/technical education and training. The education program service delivery system includes State employed educational staff, contracts for services with local school districts, and contracts with private providers.
Youth in secure State-operated youth detention centers are provided educational services through local school districts.
Frequently asked questions
- Do detained youth receive an education while in DYS facilities?
Yes. Youth in detention are provided education by the local school district. While detained youth are in the program, they will receive educational credit. Should they qualify to participate, they may also be eligible to take part in the school's GED program.
- Do committed youth receive an education and can they earn a diploma?
Yes. Youth committed by the court and placed in a residential placement participate in school programming. An Education Assessment Report containing assessment results is written for all youth. If the youth receives special education and have a current Individual Education Plan (IEP), that IEP is transferred to DYS according to the special education process and Colorado Department of Education guidelines. Educational services may include special education, GED preparation for qualifying students, vocational skills training or pursuit of a high school diploma. Qualifying youth may also be offered post-secondary education (college). If youth are is planning to return to public school, the youth center school will work with the home school district to help with a smooth transition and to determine appropriate placement.
Education programs at each DYS facility
- Expand this section for details about each facility's education program
Aspire Youth Services Center
Aspire Youth Services Center works in partnership with Teens, Inc., a private non-profit organization, to facilitate Lookout Mountain Academy at the Campus at Lookout Mountain. Lookout Mountain Academy provides high-quality educational and vocational programming to all youth within the youth center. Beyond a high school diploma or GED certificate, Teens, Inc. offers barbering/hair styling, culinary arts, construction trades, and screen printing vocational programs, as well as several online certification programs and correspondence college courses. The Campus at Lookout Mountain offers a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational activities, including softball, volleyball, soccer, flag football, a high ropes course, a weight room, a rock climbing wall, and a traditional gymnasium.
Betty K. Marler Youth Services Center
Educational services are available to all youth in residential placement with DYS. Jefferson County Public Schools provides an on-site education program that serves the detention population. DYS employs licensed teachers to educate committed youth. The school programs provide special education services to those who require individual educational plans. Jefferson County and DYS offer social studies, math, language arts, science, elective classes and recreation. Youth are able to work toward a high school diploma or obtain a GED certificate. They may also be involved in a vocational program such as food service. Selected youth may participate in two work programs — food services and grounds crew.
Clear Creek Youth Services Center
Clear Creek Youth Services Center works in partnership with Teens, Inc., a private non-profit organization, to facilitate Lookout Mountain Academy at the Campus at Lookout Mountain. Lookout Mountain Academy provides high-quality educational and vocational programming to all youth within the youth center. Beyond a high school diploma or GED certificate, Teens, Inc. offers barbering/hair styling, culinary arts, construction trades, and screen printing vocational programs, as well as several online certification programs and correspondence college courses. The Campus at Lookout Mountain offers a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational activities, including softball, volleyball, soccer, flag football, a high ropes course, a weight room, a rock climbing wall, and a traditional gymnasium.
Gilliam Youth Services Center
Gilliam Youth Services Center is a Denver Public Schools site. Students attend classes Monday-Friday promoting progress in the academic areas of reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, computer technology and physical education. In addition to the academic progress that students will make while placed at Gilliam Youth Services Center, they will progress in their ability to handle a wide variety of social/emotional issues and situations in a healthy way. Qualifying students are able to participate in the school’s GED program.
Golden Peak Youth Services Center
Golden Peak works in partnership with Teens, Inc., a private non-profit organization, to facilitate Lookout Mountain Academy at the Campus at Lookout Mountain. Lookout Mountain Academy provides high-quality educational and vocational programming to all youth within the youth center. Beyond a high school diploma or GED certificate, Teens, Inc. offers barbering/hair styling, culinary arts, construction trades, and screen printing vocational programs, as well as several online certification programs and correspondence college courses. The Campus at Lookout Mountain offers a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational activities, including softball, volleyball, soccer, flag football, a high ropes course, a weight room, a rock climbing wall, and a traditional gymnasium.
Grand Mesa Youth Services Center
Educational services for detained youth at Grand Mesa Youth Services Center are provided through Mesa County District 51 schools. Educators from the local school district are on site daily throughout the week to provide assessment to appropriate grade level and classroom instruction. In addition, youth receive daily recreation and structured leisure time.
Educational services are provided year-round and are provided by certified state teachers. Educational opportunities include core subjects, elective subjects and vocational instruction. While in school, youth have the ability to work on grade-level appropriate work for transferable credit to high school graduation. Youth may work towards earning a GED certificate while residing in the program. Youth receive physical education as well as vocational instruction in the areas of culinary, general construction trades and custodial services.
Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center
Cherry Creek School District 5 provides licensed teaching staff for detained youth at Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center. While at Marvin Foote, detained youth can earn credits necessary to receive a high-school diploma or obtain a GED certificate.
Platte Valley Youth Services Center
Weld County School District 6 provides education for detained youth. The education for committed youth is provided by licensed teachers through the DYS State Education team. Youth can generate the credits necessary to receive a diploma or receive a GED certificate while at Platte Valley Youth Services Center. Some post secondary offerings through AIMS Community College are available if they can be subsidized.
Prairie Vista Youth Services Center
Educational services are provided by on site School District 27 JD teachers. Youth attend school year-round and earn school credits during their stay. Core classes taught are language arts, science, health, social studies, math and physical education. School hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Pueblo Youth Services Center
Pueblo City Schools provides licensed teaching staff for the comprehensive school program. Youth can generate the credits necessary to receive a diploma or work toward a GED certificate while at Pueblo Youth Services Center.
Rocky Mountain Youth Services Center
Educational services are available to all youth in residential placement with DYS. Jefferson County Public Schools provides an on-site education program that serves the detention population. DYS employs licensed teachers to educate committed youth. The school programs provide special education services to those who require individual educational plans. Jefferson County and DYS offer social studies, math, language arts, science, elective classes and recreation. Youth are able to work toward a high school diploma or obtain a GED certificate. They may also be involved in a vocational program such as food service. Selected youth may participate in two work programs — food services and grounds crew.
Spring Creek Youth Services Center
Spring Creek Youth Services Center offers an on-site education program that includes classroom instruction, GED preparation, business management, vocational programs and transition activities. Post-secondary education programs are an option for eligible students. Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled quarterly to ensure the academic success of the youth. Award ceremonies are held quarterly and graduation services occur twice per year.
Summit Youth Services Center
Summit Youth Services Center works in partnership with Teens, Inc., a private non-profit organization, to facilitate Lookout Mountain Academy at the Campus at Lookout Mountain. Lookout Mountain Academy provides high-quality educational and vocational programming to all youth within the youth center. Beyond a high school diploma or GED certificate, Teens, Inc. offers barbering/hair styling, culinary arts, construction trades, and screen printing vocational programs, as well as several online certification programs and correspondence college courses. The Campus at Lookout Mountain offers a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational activities, including softball, volleyball, soccer, flag football, a high ropes course, a weight room, a rock climbing wall, and a traditional gymnasium.
Willow Point Youth Services Center
Educational services are available to all youth in residential placement with DYS. Jefferson County Public Schools provides an on-site education program that serves the detention population. DYS employs licensed teachers to educate committed youth. The school programs provide special education services to those who require individual educational plans. Jefferson County and DYS offer social studies, math, language arts, science, elective classes and recreation. Youth are able to work toward a high school diploma or obtain a GED certificate. They may also be involved in a vocational program such as food service. Selected youth may participate in two work programs — food services and grounds crew.
Zebulon Pike Youth Services Center
Educational services at Zebulon Pike Youth Services Center are provided by School District 12. Educational opportunities include core subjects, elective subjects and vocational instruction. The education program fosters an environment in which at-risk youth can experience success by focusing on achievement in basic academic and pre-vocational skills. While in school, youth have the ability to work on grade-level appropriate work for credit transferable to high school graduation or a GED certificate. In the education program, students discover and explore ideas in ways which encourage internalization and ownership of the learning process.