Our History

Dori Spence

Founder and prior Director Dori Spence remains with the school as an Advisory Board member. Dori works to build a substantial base of ongoing contributions to the the Maverick Memorial Scholarship Fund. Her dream for the scholarship program is to ensure that no student is ever denied the life-changing experience available through Desiderata by a lack of financial support.

Our History

Desiderata School (DSi) began in 1985 as a small association of families concerned with the results of their children's traditional education. Unable to locate a program which would support the intellectual, emotional, and personal development of their children in the manner that they wished, the decision was made to begin a state certified, accredited private school.

A number of successful years followed as Desiderata became known as an excellent educational program with a focus on supporting student individuality. In 2000, Desiderata changed directorship. While continuing to specialize in local on-site programs in Colorado, the local program expanded into a national independent private school. During this growth, Desiderata carefully maintained the benefits of independent study, applying the same high standards to correspondence students as were expected at the home location and recognizing the value of local professionals to assist with difficult areas and scheduling.

In 2007, Desiderata began a partnership with a high school in Key West, FL. DSi designed the 'Triumph Program' to allow the experienced instructors of the school to administer Desiderata correspondence study programs face-to-face with students.

Based on the great success of the Triumph Program in FL., Desiderata entered into an agreement with the national Tutoring Club organization in May 2011. Currently Desiderata is directly working with Tutoring Club locations in over 15 states to offer the benefits of alternative learning to students across the US, through credit recovery and distance learning programs.