Edwin Salem’s career in Denver Public Schools has come full circle. He began 24 years ago as a middle school science teacher, and since then, his journey has taken him across the district — from serving as an administrator at DC-21 and North High School to working as a Senior Data Specialist. For the last seven years, Edwin has led Legacy Options High School as principal, where he focuses on what he calls "powerful" change.
At Legacy Options, a pathway school serving 160 students, the mission is about more than just earning a diploma. Edwin views graduation not as a finish line, but as a gateway to a student’s future. To him, it isn’t enough to just guide a student toward a ceremony; he is committed to showing them exactly what is possible on the other side of high school.
This means providing tangible pathways to what comes next, such as earning college credits at Metro or the Community College of Aurora, or gaining specialized credentials in fields like construction, nursing, mechanics and culinary arts.
To Edwin, success is measured individually. While graduation is the ultimate goal, he finds immense value in the smaller shifts: a student who begins attending regularly or one who finally feels safe enough to trust the adults around them. His approach is built on three daily commitments:
Prioritizing Social-Emotional Growth: Edwin prioritizes relationships to ensure every student feels understood. "Social-emotional growth has to happen first," Edwin said. "That has to happen before they can be open to that academic achievement and those high expectations that we hold in front of them."
Maintain Unwavering High Expectations: Rigor is a requirement at Legacy Options, where the school does not give “Ds.” Students must earn an A, B or C, supported by individualized attention and small class sizes that allow them to grow until they meet the standard.
Lead with Consistency and Data: Edwin believes that predictability is one of the greatest gifts a school can offer. By maintaining clear systems and structures, he ensures that students always know what to expect, who to go to and what resources are available. To keep these systems running smoothly, Edwin leans on his background as a data specialist. By tracking trends at the school, district and national levels, he can proactively identify what is working and make immediate shifts. For him, data is a vital tool for reflection.
Reflecting on his seven years at Legacy, Edwin credits his staff for the school’s rising achievement and the "above and beyond" effort they put in daily to reach every family.
"I’m really proud of the staff for stepping up and believing in the vision," Edwin shared. "When they first came in, kids were like deer in the headlights. Then seeing that shift in the belief — 'this school is going to help me' — that's the most powerful thing."
Thank you, Edwin Salem, for your 24 years of service to DPS and for your dedication to ensuring every student at Legacy Options has a clear path to a bright future!