Where every scholar is learning to change the world.
Our Story

STRIVE Prep is a community of charter public schools that challenges each of our students to learn to change their world. Founded on the belief that every child deserves a high-quality education right where they live, STRIVE Prep serves 3,800 students in 10 schools across Denver.

In 2006, Chris Gibbons, founder and CEO of STRIVE – Prep, opened the first STRIVE – Prep school with the goal of closing historic achievement gaps in Denver. Over a decade later, Chris’ vision continues to guide our schools. Whether students join us in elementary, middle or high school, we welcome every child to achieve a bright future, regardless of their background or previous academic achievement.

Marina Ramirez STRIVE Prep - RISE, 11th Grader

My school helps me acknowledge my own value – that I’m smart and can accomplish anything. My teachers genuinely think I have intelligent things to say. They aren’t just my teachers, they’re my support system and they believe in me even when I don’t always believe in myself.

Leah Andrews-Willis, STRIVE Prep - RISE World Studies Teacher

The STRIVE Prep community means everything to me because I am a product of this community. It’s very empowering and I’m proud to give back to a community that has raised me to become the educator I am today.

Joseph Vargas, STRIVE Prep Sunnyside Parent

Before I sent my son to a STRIVE Prep school I was concerned about the neighborhood – I grew up here and honestly it wasn’t what it is now, I was concerned about the quality of academics. Being at STRIVE Prep – Sunnyside has been the total opposite, I wish I had the support systems they have when I was growing up.