Scholarship Options and Application Process

ISDenver offers four distinct scholarship opportunities for students entering grades 9-10. Each scholarship recognizes different strengths and potentials, from academic excellence to leadership and global citizenship. Review the descriptions below to determine which scholarship(s) best align with your abilities and goals.

 

Scholarship Type	Description
Founding Scholar Award (full tuition renewable)	Our most prestigious scholarship recognizes one exceptional student annually who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to global citizenship. This full-tuition, four-year renewable scholarship seeks students who will not only excel in ISDenver's rigorous IB program but will also help shape our school's culture and inspire future generations. Founding Scholars represent the very best of what ISDenver aspires to be.
Global Excellence Scholarship ($5,000-$10,000 annually)	Awarded to students who demonstrate strong academic performance and potential for success in the IB curriculum, Global Excellence Scholarships recognize well-rounded students with leadership experience and talents in academics, arts, or service. These scholars embody IB values and show promise as future global citizens who will make meaningful contributions to the ISDenver school community and the world beyond.
International Scholar Award ($7,500 annually)	This specialized scholarship celebrates students with exceptional language abilities and deep commitment to cross-cultural understanding. International Scholars pursue the Bilingual IB Diploma and demonstrate passion for international careers or studies. Recipients receive funding for their education plus a summer international experience, positioning them as cultural bridge-builders who will connect our school to the global community.
Leadership Scholarship  ($3,000 - $5,000 annually)	Recognizing students who demonstrate outstanding character, peer leadership, and vision for building school traditions, this scholarship invests in those who will actively shape our founding culture. Leadership Scholars may not always have the highest test scores, but they inspire others, contribute positively to every community they join, and show exceptional potential for creating lasting impact through service and collaboration.

Each scholarship is renewable annually based on continued academic performance, good citizenship, and active contribution and service to the ISDenver school community.

Scholarship Application Process

All Scholarship Applications require the following: 

• Scholarship Application
   
• Transcripts from the applicant’s current school
  • External applicants will submit transcripts as part of the admissions application process
  • Transcripts for internal ISDenver applicants will be provided to the Scholarship Committee by ISDenver. 
     
• Two Academic Letters of Recommendation
  • External Applicants: In the admissions application process, external applicants  will provide names and email addresses for specific academic recommendations including those from a math teacher, English teacher, counselor, and principal. If you would like your scholarship recommendations to come from people other than these specific teachers and administrators, you will be asked to provide the appropriate names and email address of the teachers in the Scholarship Application and ISDenver will reach out to those teachers for the letters of recommendation. 
  • Internal ISDenver Applicants will be asked in the Scholarship Application  to provide names and email addresses of teachers who will be providing recommendations and ISDenver will reach out to those teachers for the letters of recommendation
     
• One Character Letter of Recommendation
  • This recommendation should come from someone who knows you well outside of academics - a coach, mentor, community leader, or family friend who can speak to your character and values. All applicants will be asked to provide the name and email address of the reference and ISDenver will reach out to obtain the letter of recommendation
     
• Portfolio (Examples) of academic, leadership, and/or creative work
  • The portfolio is an opportunity to showcase your talents, passions, and accomplishments in a way that goes beyond grades and test scores. Whether it's a research project you're proud of, artwork that expresses your creativity, documentation of a community service initiative, or evidence of skills you've developed, we want to see what makes you stand out as a learner. Select 3-5 examples that best represent your strengths and interests. This can be presented in a variety of formats including video, audio, presentation, physical examples, etc. Please submit your portfolio materials to financialassistance@isdenver.org by January 15, 2026. 
     
• Interview with Scholarship Committee
  • The Scholarship Committee consists of ISDenver’s Head of School, Assistant Head of School for Academics, and Director of High School. Applicants should prepare for a brief in-person interview in late January - early February

Additional Requirement for Founding Scholar Award

In addition to the requirements above, Founding Scholar Award applicants are asked to submit a 400–500 word essay responding to one of the prompts below. The essay is an opportunity to share your  voice, vision, and potential as a future IB scholar and leader.

Essay Prompts (choose one):

1. Describe a global issue you're passionate about and how an IB education would prepare you to address it.
2. What does it mean to be a global citizen in 2025, and how do you embody this already?
3. As a founding class member, what legacy do you want to create for future students?
4. Describe a time when you had to think critically and creatively to solve a problem.

We encourage you to reflect deeply, write authentically, and let their unique perspective shine through. Essays for the Founding Scholar Award must be submitted to financialassistance@isdenver.org by January 15, 2026. 

Integrity and Academic Honesty

Integrity is one of the core values in the ISDenver community, and we believe that beginning your high school career with honesty and transparency sets the foundation for academic and personal success. Before submitting the application, all applicants will be asked to carefully review the following commitments which outline the responsibilities of all applicants. Both you and a parent or guardian must acknowledge these terms before submitting the Scholarship Application. 

Ready to get started?
The Scholarship Application is NOW OPEN! APPLY HERE

Scholarship Applications Due: January 15, 2026

Questions? Contact the ISDenver Financial Aid & Scholarship Office: financialassistance@isdenver.org or 303-340-3647.