AUL Denver High School serves grades 9–12 in Northwest Denver with small classes, trauma-informed teaching, and a support system designed so every scholar can graduate.
At AUL Denver, our mission is to provide a student-centered safe learning environment for our scholars with an emphasis on high academic expectations through a trauma-informed teaching approach.
We strive to not only graduate all of our scholars, but also provide them with the necessary skills to succeed after graduating. Scholars receive an individualized, needs-based education with an emphasis on building positive relationships with peers and adults, support from community partners, self-accountability, building self-confidence, developing soft skills, and engaging in post-secondary opportunities.
Our vision is to provide an environment in which our scholars are encouraged to explore the world around them as well as their personal identities and histories to develop meaningful relationships with themselves and their communities.
We strive to and take pride in giving our scholars the care, space, and resources to practice and reflect on crucial life skills — advocacy, critical thinking, and healthy risk-taking. We hope to send them into the world confident to apply these skills in their chosen paths, relationships, and trades.
Cris Sandoval — (they/them), Principal
I've spent more than 20 years in classrooms and schools across this city because I believe learning works best when it's connected to the real world and honors students' voices, identities, and experiences. My path has taken me from teaching to serving as a Dean, Assistant Principal, CTE Director, and Interim Principal, always focused on making sure high-quality learning opens doors to meaningful success after graduation. Growing up right here in the Northside as a proud DPS graduate, I went on to earn my Bachelor's from Macalester College and my Master's in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Denver. When I'm not at AUL, you'll usually find me spinning vinyl, checking out local arts and lowrider culture, cooking up a meal, or spending time with my partner, my daughter, our dogs, and extended family.
I know that every student thrives when they feel genuinely seen. When I was younger, I found that if I wasn't academically challenged, behavioral issues would surface. I learned firsthand how easy it is to be misjudged when you don't fit neatly into the box, and it took finding the right community for things to finally click. That experience is why I make it a point to slow down and truly know our students and families — because no one should ever have to wonder whether they belong here.
I stepped into the principal role at AUL because this community knows how to build things that actually matter. Our students and teachers aren't looking for quick fixes; they're working together to shape real, meaningful pathways forward. We know that progress takes patience, empathy, listening, and showing up consistently for one another when it counts. That grounded, commUNITY-rooted spirit is what drew me to AUL, and it's what keeps me excited to collaborate with our students, staff, and families every day. Together, we are building a space where young people can find their footing, define their own path, and own their futures. I hope you'll join us in this work as we keep it real, honor our roots, and show up for one another — AUL Familia style.
Our team is trained in trauma-informed practices, so each student receives the understanding and care they need to thrive academically and personally.
Dedicated learning specialists and academic support built into the school day.
A counselor, school psychologist, social worker, and nurse — all on our staff.
A range of clubs and extracurriculars where students explore interests, build skills, and form lasting friendships.
Support from community partners and pathways into post-secondary opportunities.
AUL Denver has served the Denver charter community since 2005. Originally the Academy of Urban Learning (AUL), the school was founded by the Jared Polis Foundation and Urban Peak Denver. Both organizations recognized the need for a small public charter high school in Denver that would focus on providing essential wraparound services to youth who are homeless, experiencing unstable living conditions, or have other at-risk factors. The Jared Polis Foundation and Urban Peak Denver understood the importance of staff and students knowing each other well and creating a caring, academic environment that pushes each student to succeed.
Over twenty years later, AUL Denver remains committed to serving young people who haven't found success in more traditional school settings. We are a trauma-informed, alternative charter high school serving students ages 14–21 in grades 9–12. We work to provide students with a positive school community, rigorous academic program, and the skills they need to succeed in post-secondary readiness. Our comprehensive support system includes special education services, mental health resources, on-site therapy, and numerous community partnerships, ensuring that every student has the resources they need to succeed. At AUL Denver, students are surrounded by a dedicated team of educators who genuinely care about their well-being, fostering an environment of empathy, restorative practices, and support.
Racial and Educational Equity is our collective responsibility. We will achieve equity when we dismantle deeply rooted systems of oppression that have historically resulted in inequitable access and distribution of opportunities and resources for those who represent marginalized identities, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, language and ability.
We will create conditions where we all belong, are included, have clear purpose, and have the autonomy to lead in our respective areas. By creating these conditions, we will eliminate the predictability of success or failure for our students and team members.
The best way to understand AUL is to walk through it. Start with the interest form and we'll set up a tour.
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