History of Manual High School

The Manual Graduate

2016 BCE

We are changing the narrative

Changing the Narrative.....

2015 BCE

University of Denver grad-turned-principal Nickolas Dawkins is the current Principal at Manual. He is drastically improving the quality of education students receive. He’s transforming passion into purpose. Manual is six blocks from where Nick grew up. He said, “I have to follow my heart. I feel empowered to go tell the kids that we love 'em and haven't given up on 'em.” His approach is simple, he believes that every kid matters and we are must make sure they succeed.

Waiting for Superman

2010 BCE

Dr. Robert Stein, a Manual graduate and top school leader in Colorado, was tapped to lead the new Manual High School in 2007. Stein created a new program for the school modeled after high-performing charter schools where student's performance data is scrutinized and students must follow clear guidelines for behavior. This program was a success for the first three years, and helped Manual to post the third-highest growth in test scores in the city.

Hope for the future.....

2007 BCE

Manual High School was re-opened in the fall of 2007, starting with a freshman class.

Growing Pains

2006 BCE

Once a model of educational excellence and community, Manual High School fell on hard times after the school district ending bussing for integration. Test scores dropped and gang related violence troubled the school and community. For these reasons, the Denver Public Schools (DPS) administrators made drastic changes to Manual. In 2006, after several failed attempts to fix the problems, Manual High School was closed.

Where it all began

1892 BCE

Manual High School is one of the oldest schools in the area. The original building was located near the current one, and opened its doors in 1892, an institution deeply woven into the fabric of the community. Manual was also one of the first schools in Denver, Colorado to educate African-Americans.