School Choice 2021

Raised NOVEMBER 2021

School

CHOICE Choosing the right school for your child is essential; Your journey starts here.

When moving homes means moving schools

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after-school activities

PO Box 19199 Boulder CO, 80308

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BOULDER, BROOMFIELD & SW WELD COUNTIES • • • • •

ADAMS 12 FIVE STAR SCHOOLS BOULDER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT ST. VRAIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT PRIVATE & CHARTER SCHOOLS PRESCHOOLS & DAYCARES

Your School. Your Choice.

OPEN ENROLLMENT WINDOW: DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2021 Open Enrollment is an opportunity for a student to attend a school of choice, which is outside of their attendance area. In-district students applying to a school outside their attendance area, as well as students who do not live within district boundaries but want to attend a school in St. Vrain, need to complete the form.

DEADLINES

December 1 - 15, 2021: Submit your online applications January 17, 2022: Deadline to receive application status from school February 1, 2022: Deadline for school visits and open enrollment confirmation

REMINDERS

• All schools allow open enrollment, however some schools may not have space available for open enrollment. Each year the Board of Education reviews school populations, enrollment projections, building capacities and staff sizes, and determines what schools can permit open enrollment.

• Transportation for open enrolled or non-SVVSD students is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

For more information visit

http://svvsd.org/enrollment

VISIT OUR SCHOOLS

As families plan their transition to middle and high school next year, schools are hosting open houses to answer questions and share information about the many program offerings across St. Vrain Valley Schools. For questions regarding open houses, programming, or to schedule a school tour, please contact the schools directly.

SCHOOL CHOICE

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http://stvra.in/openhouses2021

Be part of something big.

Together, we can transform education.

November 2021

Committed to excellence through equity?

Enroll today at bvsd.org/enrollment

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SCHOOL CHOICE School Choice Edition

Raised

NOVEMBER 2021

BOULDER, BROOMFIELD & SW WELD COUNTIES Contributing Writers Darian Armer, Barbra Cohn Katie Feindel, Adam Goldstein Sarah Huber, Julie Kailus John Teehan, Darren Thornberry Amy Harris Van Vranken Marketing Features Coordinator Greg Stone Marketing Consultants Julie Casper, Pete Christiansen Jeanine Fritz, Ruth Garfield Thais Hafer, Rich Hopkins Keith Kratochvil, Jim Koppel Abigail Lance, Billy Magrini Dale Sekular, Francine Wahlgren Advertising Directors Jill Stravolemos Christine Labozan

FOR MORE FAMILY CONTENT AND RESOURCES VISIT RAISEDINTHEROCKIES.COM

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What’s your choice? A guide to understanding how school choice works

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School readiness: Helpful tips to help your kids transition from preschool to kindergarten

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How to help students who struggle with anxiety

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What to look for in a day care

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Preschool spotlight

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Private, charter and Montessori school spotlight

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Tips for choosing a private school

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3 ways to make a positive impact in your community

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Adams 12 Five Star Schools directory

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Boulder Valley School District directory

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St. Vrain Valley School District directory

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A scientific approach to school success

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Moving toward independence: Transitioning to middle school

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Is a religious school right for your child?

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When moving homes means moving schools

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Dynamic, enriching & fun: In-person after school activities

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A weeknight meal to munch on

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Keeping your car clean with kids

Raised in the Rockies is a quarterly marketing feature produced by the Boulder Daily Camera, Longmont Times-Call, Broomfield Enterprise and Colorado Hometown Weekly. For advertising information or questions call 303.473.1400 or visit RaisedintheRockies.com. ©2021 Prairie Mountain Media.

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SCHOOL CHOICE

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6

9:00a – Grades K-5 11:00a – Grades 6-8 1:00p – Grades 9-12 RSVP at dawsonschool.org/Virtual

Preparing students to bring their best to the world.

November 2021

dawsonschool.org

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Raised in the Rockies sense of the school environment, both inside and out, by scheduling a tour during rush hour. Plan ahead, too, by asking to see a variety of in-session classrooms. And come prepared with questions that you can get answered on site. Checking out a school sports event, concert or open house is a good idea as well.

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chool of choice or open enrollment in Colorado means that any student can request to attend any state public school for free. No longer are families bound by their neighborhood school or even their resident “home” school district.

Public school choice is not a new concept in Colorado. But given changing circumstances and new insights in a post-pandemic world, plenty of families are giving school of choice a thought for the first time. So how does it work for children in Boulder and Broomfield Counties?

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ALL KINDS OF SCHOOLS ARE INCLUDED While traditional district-run schools make up most choice enrollments, all types of designated public schools are included in choice education: innovation, magnet, option, charter and online.

Among these options, choice enrollment may vary slightly, including meeting certain criteria during the application process or requiring that all students to choice in, as is the case with most charter schools.

It’s important to note that not all choice enrollment requests work out. In most neighborhood “boundary” schools,

numbers are still dictated annually by children in the immediate vicinity.

If you live in bounds, you typically get an automatic spot. If not, you are “competing” for a number of openings based on a school’s physical and staffing capacity.

For schools with a high number of choice applications, spots may be filled on a first-come, first-served or lottery basis, with some schools offering priority to siblings of current students. Waitlists are also common.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A SCHOOL For families unfamiliar with school of choice, here are few ways to go about finding just the right spot for your child.

Do your research. Narrow your school search by getting basic questions answered through the school website.

You can learn a great deal about staffing, resources and culture right online. Then, ask around. Locate a few parents who you can interview by calling the school for recommendations or connecting via a neighborhood Facebook group.

Prioritize transportation. The biggest issue with choice education is getting to and from school. Without a busing option for out-of-boundary students, it’s important to ensure reliable daily transportation for your child. “Test” visits during school transition times can be a helpful way to determine feasibility.

Tour your top schools. Get an authentic

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BOULDER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT Open Enrollment begins in Nov. 1 at 8 a.m. for next school year (beginning the following August). Closes Jan. 5, 4 p.m.

For more information, visit bvsd.org/ parents-students/enrollment/openenrollment.

ST. VRAIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT December 1st through 15th is the period in which applications for open enrollment should be submitted online.

For more information, visit svvsd.org/schools/enrollment/ open-enrollment.

ADAMS 12 FIVE STAR SCHOOLS First Round (priority consideration): Dec. 1 to Jan 31 (for next school year) Second Round: Feb. 1 to March 30 (for next school year) Third Round: April 16 to mid Sept.

(Sept. 10 for the 2021/22 school year) For more information, adams12.org/ admissions/choice-schools.

SCHOOL CHOICE

A guide to understanding how state School Choice Works in the Boulder & Broomfield County Area

OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD COMING UP The open enrollment application process can vary by district. The standard school of choice request window starts December 1, with commitments required

by February 1. However, families are welcome to make their decision sooner.

For example, St. Vrain Valley Schools accepts open enrollment applications year-round. “Even though we have a window for open enrollment and we encourage families to apply during this time, we continue to accept applications on a rolling basis,” says Amber Muir, student data manager, St. Vrain Valley Schools.

St. Vrain also forgoes the “ranking” system common to school of choice when families want to apply to multiple schools. “There is one application per student per school, so families don’t have to rank their choice by order of preference,” Muir says.

While the process may seem a little daunting, Muir says to keep an eye on the big picture. “Even if there is no space in your school of choice or if you are pointed in a different direction, keep an open mind. You will end up at a great school.”

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Preschool Enrolling Now for the 2022-2023 School Year!

Spark a lifetime of achievement.

BE WHERE IT ALL BEGINS.

November 2021

Go to https://ece.bvsd.org or call 720-561-5075 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 7

Raised in the Rockies including their inner world (dreams, feelings, imagination), helps your child in many ways. They’ll be better able to express their needs and feelings, they’ll have more successful personal interactions, and they’ll have a larger word bank to draw from when reading and writing.

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School Readiness

Helpful tips to help your kids transition from preschool to kindergarten

Develop independence. Practice selfdressing skills and bathroom skills.

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“Creation Station.” Set up an area for your child and keep it stocked with paper, crayons, scissors, glue, etc. Right now, your child’s practicing using these materials and developing their creativity. Later, they can use this space to complete kindergarten homework and projects.

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Create routines. Routines help children feel secure. Bedtime routines are especially important.

Kindergarteners need 9 to 12 hours of sleep per day.

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Cooperative learning. Provide opportunities to practice sharing and taking turns. Help your child use words instead of actions to express themselves.

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Talk together! Talking with your child about the world around them,

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Read together! Reading is the biggest way your child will learn in kindergarten. Reading aloud helps them understand how books work and develops their receptive language.

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“First…then” rule. Help your child learn to follow directions and delay gratification. “FIRST we’ll brush your teeth, THEN we’ll read a story.”

he transition to kindergarten is a big step for a young learner. It can feel both exciting and scary for you and your child.

Kimberly Bloemen, Executive Director of Early Childhood Education for Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), emphasizes the importance of the transition: “As educators and parents, we know that a smooth transition to Kindergarten is an essential part of a child’s academic experience.” Getting good information and support can make all the difference.

If your child is still in preschool, it’s the right time to build the skills and abilities they’ll need. The City of Longmont’s Bright EYES Coalition has created a helpful school readiness guide called “8 Ways to be Ready for K.” To summarize:

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Offer choices when appropriate.

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Giving kids a good cooperative learning foundation with their peers is especially important. A good preschool can help parents be more purposeful about creating those opportunities. Unstructured group playtime, learning routines, circle times, and lining up all give kids practice in how to interact with people, solve problems, calm down when they’re upset, and conduct a conversation. Amy FrenchTroy, Development Coordinator at TLC Learning Center in Longmont, says those opportunities “give them the tools to interact with their peers. They’ll be much more successful in their academic and social relationships.”

When the time comes to start kindergarten, the BVSD Early Childhood Education Department advises that “young children need support and guidance to help ease the transition.”

You can provide that support by talking through the new routine with your child before their first day, and then setting some time aside after school each day to check in with them. Acknowledge all their feelings and express confidence in them.

Keep in mind that change is stressful and try to limit other transitions at this time.

BVSD stresses the importance of building a collaborative relationship with your child’s elementary school, teacher, and principals through effective communication. Let the school know if your child has any special needs. Visit the school, meet your child’s teacher, and read all the communication you receive from the school.

As the school year goes on, don’t worry if your child is taking some time to settle in. Transitions can take time. Keep in touch with the school and lean on the foundation you’ve created to continue to ease the transition and promote a positive school experience, both academically and emotionally. As BVSD notes, “The child who is able to feel safe in a gradual transition will become more confident for future transitions in life.”

SCHOOL CHOICE

(Photo: TLC Learning Center).

Practice skills! Practice the skills that are the building blocks for learning in Kindergarten: Writing their name, counting small objects, drawing pictures to tell a story, naming letters in the environment, cutting, and gluing.

BOULDER COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

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“People at BCD are kind, loving, and hardworking.”

“At BCD I feel at home and that helps me to be my best.”

I AM A BULLDOG

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“Our playground has a tunnel and a slide.

BCD is FUN!”

Preschool (starting at 2 1/2 years) through 8th grade Preschool Cultivating joy, curiosity and wonder Elementary Engaging and joyful project-based learning IB Middle School Developing engaged and curious learners Campus Beautiful, safe and centrally located in Gunbarrel

Open House November 9

November 2021

Tours Daily • Financial Assistance Available bouldercountryday.org 303.516.4148

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Raised in the Rockies

How to help students who struggle with anxiety

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR Anxiety and depression can look the same. Symptoms can be exhibited by feelings ranging from phobias about dogs or insects, to repeated episodes of feeling dizzy, irritable and angry.

Separation anxiety and more acting act, as well as headaches, hyperventilation and a racing heart are things to be aware of.

WHEN CAN YOU DO AS A PARENT OR GUARDIAN? VALIDATE THEIR FEELINGS “It’s important to validate kids’ emotions,” Parker says. “Their perceptions are their reality, whether it feels real or not to you as a parent. That helps them recognize what their feelings are and then the triggers come out.

Practice meditation, use relaxation skills,

or provide a fidget toy, anything for the child to reduce anxiety emotions.

“Younger kids won’t call it anxiety.

But you can help them see what’s normal by play acting and using practice tools in various scenarios. Then talk about what’s going to happen when they go to school. For example, if your child is anxious about being alone, have them practice walking over to introduce him/ herself. Then they can recognize what it is, and practice the tools with the situations they’re experiencing. Make it comfortable at home for that child to talk and walk it through,” she adds.

REDUCE SCREEN TIME AND SPEND MORE TIME TOGETHER Screen time increases social anxiety.

Make your child aware of how social media is impacting their life, and align with teens to negotiate together how much screen time is appropriate for their well-being so they feel they have some control.

Ask your child, ‘Do you really think that’s doing you any good?’ “Some kids are starting to turn off social media.

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s your child exhibiting anxiety about going to school? They’re not the only one. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 4.4 million children are living with anxiety, and The American Academy of Pediatrics recently declared a national state of emergency in child and adolescent mental health.

According to Kate Parker, LCSW, vice president of clinical operations at Mental Health Partners, “Post-COVID anxiety has really increased in youth because of the social disorder from being isolated. Now that kids are back in school, they’re showing that they’re developmentally behind because social interaction is how they learn,” she says.

Kids may have had a fear of being watched or judged by others during virtual school. Now that they’re back in a school setting with 20 to 25 kids and different teachers, that fear has increased. Additionally, social media, world stress and parent’s stress are contributing to the general anxiety.

“I’ve seen things I’ve never seen before. Eating disorders and anxiety about going to school, behaviors that aren’t usually typical for a lot of kids,” says Parker.

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WHAT CAN BE DONE AT SCHOOL? Parker says, “It takes a village to take care of our kids. Educators can be thoughtful around online instruction, and incorporate a more hands-on approach.

It’s important to not put pressure on kids who are anxious or don’t have friends because it increases anxiety.

It’s nerve wracking for kids who haven’t been speaking up,” she adds.

“Instead of having the same kids participate, teachers can guide anxious kids by rewarding and incentivizing participation. Educators need to be really clear about expectations, bullying, discrimination and harassment, and to follow through on what those expectations are. For instance, a lot of bullying is happening due to social media.

It’s important that educators hold that line and have a safe place for everyone,” she says.

November 2021

YOU ARE NOT ALONE Parker tells about a boy who graduated from a Mental Health Partner’s outreach support group. “He said, ‘I felt like I was all better.’ He isn’t all better, says Parker,

“but he has the tools now and he has his parents to help. The biggest thing is to make sure people know they are not alone. When they feel vulnerable, they can ask for help.”

Mental Health Partners is the only organization providing comprehensive mental health services to residents of Boulder and Broomfield counties regardless of their ability to pay. For more information about anxiety outreach programs for teens and children, and one on-on-one assessment and counseling, call 303.443.8500 or visit: mhpcolorado.org/back-to-school.

24/7 Crisis Line: 1.844.493.8255.

HEALTHY HABITS Hydrate. Did you know that your brain needs water as much as your body does in order to function optimally? Get your child into the habit of drinking water throughout the day. Set an example by having every family member carrying a water bottle.

Exercise. Start young and start early.

Start an exercise regimen as a family. Get up 15 minutes earlier (yes, it’s hard), and uplift everyone’s mood with some dance music and move your bodies. Or, take a walk together after dinner. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, a 10-minute walk may be

I’m crossing my fingers that piece will disappear. Some of my kids’ friends do not use social media. There’s some movement going there,” says Parker.

just as good as a 45-minute workout for relieving anxiety and depression. Some studies show that exercise can work quickly to elevate a depressed mood in many people.

Have a healthy eating plan that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and low-fat protein. Buy on the perimeter of the grocery store and skip the junk-food aisles.

Meditate. Mind-body therapies such as meditation and yoga have been proven to help children manage stress and anxiety.

Practice mindfulness by meditating for 10 to 15 minutes a day. Sit in a comfortable position, close the eyes, and use an image that is relaxing or a word. Transcendental meditation offers programs for children of all ages in the Boulder/Denver area.

Sleep. Help your student to get at least eight hours a night of shut-eye. It’s so important for good health, mental clarity and emotional stability.

Turn off devices at least an hour before bed. This is a hard one, but you’ve read the warnings. Blue light from being online at night causes circadian rhythm disruptions. It’s harder to fall asleep and stay asleep after you’ve been on your phone right before bed.

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Science and Technology Curriculum for All Grades Fun and Connected Learning Community National Middle School to Watch Tuition-free for K-8th Grade Greenhouse Classroom and Outdoor Learning Spaces

What to look for in a day care FAMILY FEATURES

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or first-time parents or even families with multiple children, the decision to place your little bundle of joy in someone else’s care is a difficult one. However, the benefits of day care can be significant, especially for children who start a program as infants.

A high-quality early childhood program not only promotes children’s safety and well-being, but also supports their growth and development at a critical time in life as children’s brains develop more rapidly from birth to age 5 than any other time in their lives.

“The pressure on families to do what’s best for their children while balancing the need to safely return to consistent routines is immense,” said Dr. Elanna Yalow, chief academic officer of KinderCare Learning Centers. “Many families have concerns about possible health risks to their children. At the same time, there is extensive data that demonstrates children are actually safer and better off developmentally when they are around other children. It’s no wonder so many families feel conflicted. Rigorous safety protocols give families confidence they can count on our programs to protect their children and help them thrive.”

Consider these things when seeking care for your infant:

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SAFETY FIRST Ensure the providers you’re considering follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics and local health department guidelines. Beyond COVID-19 protocols, look for a program with teachers and staff that take pride in keeping children safe, particularly

when it comes to safe sleep.

Confirm the provider has external validation of their program’s quality, like national accreditation.

RESPONSIVE TEACHERS WHO CARE FOR YOUR BABY LIKE YOU DO Caring for young children requires a unique set of skills.

Understanding what children need at each age and stage in life comes with expertise and an ability to build relationships with them. It should be clear right away your baby will be in a warm, nurturing environment and supervised by teachers who will respond promptly to your baby’s every coo, gurgle, smile and cry with kindness and compassion.

STRONG COMMUNICATION You’ll know you’ve landed in the right place when your child’s teacher and day care staff feel like an extension of your family. To help start things on the right foot, share expectations and preferences with your potential provider early. It’s important the caregiver knows how often you want updates and what kind of information is most meaningful to you – whether that includes videos and photos, phone calls or texts, or short notes about the things your child is doing.

They should also be available to answer your questions and ask their own in return to ensure they’re supporting your baby in the best way possible while also encouraging your child to develop at his or her own pace. It’s important for teachers to understand key milestones and how to support your baby’s ongoing growth and development.

When parents know their babies are safe, happy and loved, they can focus on all the other things they need to do.

For more information, and tips for finding the right child care, visit kindercare.com.

SCHOOL CHOICE

2022-23 School Year Online Application Opens on Wed., December 1, 2021! To learn about tours and enrollment, visit flagstaffacademy.org

November 2021

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Preschool Spotlight Apple Tree Christian Preschool and Kindergarten Apple Tree Christian Preschool and Kindergarten (ATCPK) is a nonprofit, Christian organization providing early childhood programs for ages 2-½ through Kindergarten. Our preschool program curriculum is developmentally age-appropriate and provides a balance of child centered choices and teacher guided experiences in a Christian environment.

In addition to traditional preschool classes, Apple Tree also offers a changeable Parents Day Out Program that functions as a more flexible, month to month option for families on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays..

Grades Served: Toddlers through Junior Kindergarten Address: 545 W. 10th Ave., Broomfield Phone: (303) 466-8365 Website: appletreebroomfield.org Principal/Head of School: Sara Godwin

Boulder Country Day Preschool Preschool starting at 2-1/2 years old located in the Gunbarrel neighborhood of Boulder.

Grades Served: Preschool through Pre-Kindergarten Address: 4820 Nautilus Court North, Boulder Phone: (303) 527-4931 Website: bouldercountryday.org Principal/Head of School: John H Suitor III Enrollment: 72 Capacity: 77 Annual Tuition: $18,600-$22,800 Daily Schedule: 3 or 5 days a week from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: Oct. 23, Nov. 9, Dec. 8

YMCA Inspire Preschool

At YMCA Inspire Preschool, children enjoy meaningful, hands-on experiences that help them learn, grow and thrive. By supporting students’ academic, social and emotional wellbeing, Y teachers help children ages 2-1/2 to 6 begin a lifetime love of discovery. Students enjoy weekly swimming, playtime on the playground, gym and bike park, sports activities and hands-on education on the Y’s farm. The preschool utilizes Creative Curriculum, the same program used by local school districts. Inspire Preschool offers full-day/part-day and full-time/part-time options.

Grades Served: Preschool Address: 950 Lashley St., Ste A., Longmont Phone: 303)664.5455 ext. 4700 Website: ymcainspirepreschool.org Capacity: 107 Enrollment: Call for details.

Annual Tuition: Call for details.

Daily Schedule: Call for details.

Open House/Visitation: Call for tour.

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SCHOOL CHOICE

EXCEL AFTER THE BELL Join the Y for a School Bus Full of Programs Near You REGISTER NOW for YMCA After School Care in 4 school districts, including programs at the Longmont, Arapahoe and Mapleton Ys and at select schools in Thompson and Weld RE-5J school districts. Bussing options provided for SVVSD and BVSD students.

YMCA After School Care sets out to give kids both smile-inspiring escapades and foundational experiences that help them grow as individuals.

Whether it’s exploring science concepts, enjoying outdoor playtime or creating art projects, the Y provides a safe, supportive environment that focuses on learning, developing interests and making friends.

And when school is out, join us for School Day Off Camps to ensure your kiddo has a fun, enriching environment while you work. Held at all Ys and in select Thompson schools.

Free Y family membership included in some plans.

Details at ymcanoco.org.

YMCA OF NORTHERN COLORADO

November 2021

ymcanoco.org/after-school

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Private, Charter & Montessori Schools & Classes Spotlight ABC Kids Climbing ABC Kids Climbing is a unique climbing gym built just for kids! Our Classes and Camps are thoughtfully designed by actual climbers and help kids develop their climbing skills through play-based learning. Our teams are renowned across the country and serve climbers interested in a competitive future as well as the top elite athletes. Camps, private lessons and open gym provide even more opportunities for fun and adventure.

Join us!

Grades Served: Pre-K to High School Address: 1960 32nd St., Boulder Phone: (303) 443-5437 Website: abckidsclimbing.com Principal/Head of School: Robyn Raboutou Enrollment: 675 Capacity: 100 Annual Tuition: Varies by program Daily Schedule: Varies; Classes as early as 8:15 a.m. and as late as 6 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: Tuesdays 9 to 11 a.m., Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 12:15 to 5:15 p.m.

Apple Tree Christian Preschool and Kindergarten Apple Tree Christian Preschool and Kindergarten (ATCPK) is a non-profit, Christian organization providing early childhood programs for ages 2-½ through Kindergarten.

Apple Tree’s preschool program curriculum is developmentally ageappropriate and provides a balance of child centered choices and teacher guided experiences in a Christian environment. In addition to traditional preschool classes, Apple Tree also offers a changeable Parents Day Out Program that functions as a more flexible, month to month option for families on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

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Grades Served: Toddlers through Junior Kindergarten Address: 545 W. 10th Ave., Broomfield Phone: (303) 466-8365 Website: appletreebroomfield.org Principal/Head of School: Sara Godwin Enrollment: 90 Capacity: 100 Annual Tuition: Varies according to program $277-$437 Daily Schedule: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: Jan. 6

Bixby School Bixby School offers a progressive education where we know each student deeply, provide hands-on learning experiences in small classes with expert teachers who fuel and celebrate curiosity every day. Our beautiful, inspiring three-acre campus includes natural play areas and an indoor pool. We are a welcoming place for family and community, with year-round events and many social and volunteer opportunities.

Grades Served: Preschool through 5th Grade Address: 4760 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder Phone: (303) 494-7508 Website: bixbyschool.org Principal/Head of School: Nina Lopez Enrollment: 118 Capacity: 125 Annual Tuition: $19,718 / Kindergarten through 5th Grade: $22,079. Tuition support is available. At Bixby School, we believe that our community is enriched by families and students from many different backgrounds. A Bixby education should be accessible to as many families as possible.

Daily Schedule: Preschool: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Before and after care available, 7:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.) / Kindergarten through 5th: 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (After care available until 5:45 p.m.)

Open House/Visitation: Nov. 3 at 9:30 a.m. in-person / 4 p.m. Virtual Online Open House. Dec. 1 at 9:30 a.m. in-person / 4 p.m. virtual online open house / Jan. 7 at 5 p.m. Kindergarten Readiness Night

Boulder Country Day School

Preschool (starting at 2 1/2 years old) through IB Middle School located in the Gunbarrel neighborhood of Boulder.

Grades Served: Preschool through 8th grade Address: 4820 Nautilus Court North, Boulder Phone: (303) 527-4931 Website: bouldercountryday.org Principal/Head of School: John H. Suitor III Enrollment: 387 Capacity: 408 Annual Tuition: $18,600 - $25,300 Daily Schedule: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: Oct. 23, Nov. 9, Dec. 8

Colorado Conservatory of Dance With direction, purpose, and intent, the Colorado Conservatory of Dance creates a healthy and generous environment where students, parents and community members are nurtured and encouraged to develop their most creative and fulfilled selves. We responsibly pursue our mission with high standards and high expectations.

We value mentorship and partnership, and we believe that dance should be available and accessible to all.

Grades Served: All ages Address: 3001 Industrial Lane #12, Broomfield Phone: (303) 466-5685 Website: ccdance.org Principal/Head of School: Julia Wilkinson Manley; Artistic Director & Leslie Castañuela Barnes; Interim Executive Director Enrollment: 200 Capacity: 350 Annual Tuition: Varies depending on level and how many classes taken Daily Schedule: Varies depending on level and how many classes taken Open House/Visitation: First trial class is always free SCHOOL CHOICE

Private, Charter & Montessori Schools & Classes Spotlight The region’s premier K-12 independent school, offering college-preparatory academics, robust athletics and arts programs, and renowned experiential education.

Dawson’s Mission: Dawson School is dedicated to excellence of mind, body, and character. We prepare students, through challenging and relevant learning, to become creative, resilient problem-solvers who bring their best to the world.

Grades Served: Kindergarten through 12th Grade Address: 10455 Dawson Drive, Lafayette Phone: (303) 665-6679 Website: dawsonschool.org Principal/Head of School: George P. Moore Enrollment: 525 Capacity: 540 Annual Tuition: Varies Daily Schedule: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: dawsonschool.org/visit

Flagstaff Academy Flagstaff Academy, an award-winning preschool through eighth grade public charter school, is an academically rigorous school with a Core Knowledge foundation and a strong focus on science and technology. The school focuses on the individual learner, subject mastery grouping, progressive levels of difficulty, and ongoing assessment for advancement. Flagstaff offers inquirybased science, robotics, computer programming, integrated technology, a greenhouse classroom, and the leading Restorative Practices program in the region, providing a strong focus on character development and ethical leadership. Spanish is offered as a foreign language starting in third grade and the arts program includes music, band, and art-integrating technology.

November 2021

Grades Served: Preschool through 8th Grade Address: 2040 Miller Dr., Longmont, Phone: 303-651-7900

Website: flagstaffacademy.org Principals: Wayne Granger (Executive Director), Katie Gustafson (Executive Principal), Gael Lester (Asst. Principal K-5), Kate Salgado (Asst. Principal 6-8) Enrollment: 806 Daily Schedule: 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: Call for details

Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance Frequent Flyers® Aerial Dance creates and promotes the magic of aerial dance through performance and education. We offer aerial classes and camps for ages 5+ and all levels. Students build strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, and have opportunities to practice teamwork, safe risk taking skills, creativity, and improvisation. Come fly with us!

Grades Served: Kindergarten through 12th grade Address: 3022 E. Sterling Circle, Ste 150, Boulder Phone: (303) 245-8272 Website: frequentflyers.org Director of Education: Vicki Whisenhunt Enrollment: 50 Capacity: 75 Annual Tuition: $125 per 5 week session; $350 per week of camp Daily Schedule: Weekly classes starting at 4:15 p.m.; Camps run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: Jan. 9, 1 to 4 p.m.

Friends School At Friends School, we value all learners.

Our creative, academicallychallenging, safe environment allows every student from preschool through 8th grade to be seen, known and loved. Small class sizes allow us to meet each student where they are as learners, helping them to know themselves and set

Dawson School

their own path. A Friends School education promises an essential foundation for a life of success. Our vision is as clear today as it was when we started in 1987: Making the world better by challenging minds, nurturing spirits and honoring individuality.

Grades Served: Preschool through 8th Grade Address: SOUTH CAMPUS (Preschool/Elementary) 5465 Pennsylvania Avenue, Boulder CO 80303; NORTH CAMPUS (Middle/ TPP) 3800 Kalmia Avenue, Boulder Boulder Phone: (303) 499-1999 Website: friendsschoolboulder.org Principal/Head of School: Honor Taft Enrollment: 200 Capacity: 220 Annual Tuition: $14,000-$26,465. We offer Personalized Affordable Tuition for families in every socioeconomic situation to ensure that tuition is affordable for each family.

Daily Schedule: Preschool: Half Day 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday; Full Day 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friday; Elementary: 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday. Middle School: 8:45 a.m. 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Open House/Visitation: Preschool: 10/22, 2pm; 11/15, 4:45 pm; 1/21, 2pm.

Elementary: 10/19, 5pm; 11/30, 5pm; 1/26, 5pm. Middle School: 10/20, 5pm; 11/18, 5pm; 1/20, 5pm.

Holy Family High School

Holy Family offers a Catholic learning environment that stresses academic excellence, fosters mutual respect, demands responsibility and encourages selfgrowth through an exceptional academic program and extensive co-curricular opportunities. As a college preparatory school, we offer a rigorous, hands-on learning environment taught in small, interactive classes, where students cultivate skills with individual feedback and guidance. Founded in 1922, Holy Family has been unwavering in its commitment to educate the Whole Person: Spirit, RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 17

Private, Charter & Montessori Schools & Classes Spotlight Mind, and Body. With small class sizes, we have the ability to connect personally and intellectually with each student in an intimate academic setting.

Enrollment: 75 Capacity: 100 Annual Tuition: $20.000 Daily Schedule: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: N/A

our 7th graders to the Catalina Island Marine Institute, SHJ is dedicated to providing a nurturing and experiential environment to cultivate engaged, life-long learners.

Grades Served: 9th through 12th grade Address: 5195 W. 144th Ave., Broomfield Phone: (303) 410-1411 Website: holyfamilyhs.com Principal/Head of School: Matt Hauptly Enrollment: 748 Capacity: 800 Annual Tuition: Affiliated Catholics ($12,900), Unaffiliated Catholics and Non-Catholics ($14,900) Daily Schedule: 8 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: By appointment

Prospect Ridge Academy

Grades Served: Preschool-8th grade Address: 1317 Mapleton Ave., Boulder Phone: (303) 447-2362 Website: school.shjboulder.org Principal/Head of School: Marie Dunn Enrollment: 190 Capacity: 300 Annual Tuition: $7,670 per student / $5,765 for Affiliated Catholic Families Daily Schedule: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: Tours by appointment/email: admissions@ shjboulder.org

Longmont Christian School At Longmont Christian, we are Courageously Christian, boldly showing the compassion, love, and acceptance of Jesus Christ. We are Rigorously Academic, building a firm foundation for life-long learning. We are a Thriving Community, a family of believers committed to truth and Biblical values.

Grades Served: Pre-K to 12 Address: 1440 Collyer St., Longmont Phone: (303) 776-3254 Website: longmontchristian.org Principal/Head of School: David Stoecker, Executive Director Enrollment: 200 Capacity: 300 Annual Tuition: $7,650 Daily Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mountain Shadows Montessori School AMI Montessori School enrolling students from 12 months to 12 years of age.

Grades Served: YCC - Sixth Grade Address: 4154 N 63rd St., Boulder Phone: (303) 817-7899 Website: mountainshadows.org Principal/Head of School: Harry Donahue 18

RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

Ranked No. 1 in Adams 12 Five Star School District and the top 3 percent in the nation for Best High Schools by US News and World Reports, Prospect Ridge Academy is a Kindergarten through 12th grade tuition-free public charter school in the Adams 12 Five Star Schools district with a vision to create academic, social, and ethical leaders.

The school is committed to providing a comprehensive foundation that includes rigorous coursework, social and physical development through athletics, and community service leadership. Expectations are set high for PRA students, as they aspire and achieve their full potential as lifelong learners. PRA graduates are prepared for success in a globally competitive society.

Grades Served: Kindergarten through 12th grade Address: 2555 Preble Creek Parkway, Broomfield Phone: 720.399.0300 Website: prospectridgeacademy.org Principal/Head of School: April Wilkin, Steve Thygesen, Adam DiGiacomo Enrollment: 1433 Capacity: 1530 Annual Tuition: Free Daily Schedule: 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: See website

Sacred Heart of Jesus School

Located in the heart or Boulder, Sacred Heart of Jesus has over 100 years of excellence in academic, athletics and the arts. We seek to inspire students, in partnership with their families, to be thoughtful, moral and compassionate leaders. From offering each preschooler Universal Assessment Screenings to sending

Summit Classical Academy We are a private Classical Christian school, grounded in a timeless curriculum, high standards, and a passion for learning that is centered on a biblical worldview.

Grades Served: Kindergarten through 6th Grade Address: 3031 W. 144th Ave., Broomfield Phone: (720) 633-9300 Website: SummitClassicalAcademy.org Principal/Head of School: Teresa Fraser Enrollment: 53 Annual Tuition: $8300 Daily Schedule: 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: School tours by appointment

Temple Grandin School

Temple Grandin School is more than just a school – it’s a community.

Grades Served: 6 to 12th grade Address: 3131 Indian Road, Boulder Phone: (303) 554-7363 Website: templegrandinschool.org Principal/Head of School: Jen Wilger Enrollment: 19 Capacity: 32 Annual Tuition: $35,000-$40,000 SCHOOL CHOICE

Private, Charter & Montessori Schools & Classes Spotlight Daily Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:25 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: Monday, Nov. 8 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 2, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

TLC Learning Center TLC’s inclusive preschool model has been helping kids from all backgrounds and abilities to reach their fullest potential for over 65 years. Through our cognitive, physical, and social-emotional curriculum.

TLC gives all children the best possible start in life. Our goal is to help kids be their best selves, while fostering empathy, compassion and a lifelong love of learning.

Grades Served: Newborn to Kindergarten-ready Address: 611 Korte Parkway, Longmont Phone: (720) 776-7417 Website: learningwithtlc.org Principal/Head of School: Lisa Stratton Enrollment: 73 Capacity: 90 Annual Tuition: Varies depending on days and times

Daily Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: Weekly Zoom tours

Vista Ridge Academy

Vista Ridge Academy is a preschool through eighth grade private school located in Erie, Colorado. Our Christ-centered community and personally attentive teaching philosophy ensure students grow in mind, body, and spirit as they learn and lead together.

Grades Served: Preschool through 8th grade Address: 3100 Ridge View Drive, Lafayette Phone: (303) 828-4944 Website: vistaridge.org Principal/Head of School: Sandy Hodgson Enrollment: 103 Capacity: 110 Annual Tuition: $5,950 Daily Schedule: 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: Tours Wednesdays and Thursdays

YMCA After School Care

The YMCA of Northern Colorado offers a wide variety of programs to support local parents, including after-school care throughout Boulder County, Weld County and beyond. The Y offers after-school programs, school day off camps and kids nights in to ensure children have safe spaces, mentors, positive peer groups and fun while their parents work. Whether it’s exploring science concepts, enjoying active play or creating art projects, the Y provides a safe, supportive environment that focuses on learning, developing interests and making friends. CCAP is accepted and financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

Grades Served: Kindergarten -5th grade Address: Various locations throughout Boulder, Weld and Larimer counties Phone: (303) 664-5455 Website: ymcanoco.org Principal/Head of School: Lisa Swainey Enrollment: 427 Capacity: 1000 Annual Tuition: Prices vary by plans and locations Daily Schedule: Hours vary by locations Open House/Visitation: Call for a tour

Home, Sweet Home.

At Home Colorado presents engaging content about homes, from buying and selling to improvement, landscaping and design. It also features homes for sale, open house listings and local real estate news.

Look for it Fridays in the Boulder Daily Camera and Saturdays in the Longmont Times-Call or visit AtHomeColorado.com.

For advertising information call Thais Hafer 303.473.1456, Toni McNeill 303.684.5929 or Mary Romano 303.473.1450.

November 2021

RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 19

Raised in the Rockies

A PRIVATE SCHOOL

B

oulder County is home to a wide array of private schools.

From facilities that stress classical education tenets from ancient Greece and Rome to schools catered toward those with a creative bent, the field of private education abounds with options for students and parents who are seeking a specific direction in their education.

For all that variety, however, officials from the local private school community offer a similar set of wisdom for those looking to find the perfect fit when it comes to the right facility.

Those commonalities are rooted in the importance of community, values and academic rigor when it comes to selecting a private school.

Brigette Modglin, founding family member and board member at Summit Classical Academy, said selecting the right private school should be about quality, academics and, perhaps most importantly, community. Summit is a classical Christian school that stresses a rigorous academic approach rooted in the precepts and morals of Christianity. A specific set of principles, tenets and ideas is at the core of the school’s curriculum, but Modglin said that the role of community also plays a 20 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

vital role in the operation of the school.

Any parent or student enrolled at Summit, she noted, is connected to a strong network of support.

“It’s important that the private school you choose has a community that supports its teachers, families and the surrounding community,” Modglin said. “Learning best happens in relationships, so when you have a strong school community that works alongside you, this will set your child and your family up for success for years to come.”

While the curriculum and philosophy at Bixby School in Boulder is different, Head of School Nina Lopez speaks about the importance of common values in any parent or students considering a private school. At Bixby, founded in 1970 by two educators who served a total enrollment of only seven families, those values are rooted in empathy, critical thinking and academic involvement. That approach has continued, and involves engaging students in specific ways – for example, teaching swimming is a part of the Bixby curriculum.

“Attention to the whole child, and a customized, responsive approach to learning were uncommon in 1970. A lot has changed in education and in our world since Bixby first began, and Bixby has evolved and grown as well over that time,”

ADAM GOLDSTEIN RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

TIPS FOR CHOOSING

Lopez said, adding that the core values have remained the same. “One of the things that has remained constant is our core belief that ‘committed, well qualified teachers are fundamental to the success of our school.’ Bixby is and has always been a place distinguished by its faculty, each of whom is an expert in their field and passionate about teaching children.”

Meeting parents’ and students’ core values is also at the heart of other private schools in the area, including Friends School, an independent Pre-K to grade 8 school in Boulder that stresses academic rigor, individuality and community.

According to faculty, the Friends School offers class sizes, curriculum and scholarly support that helps its graduates thrive when they move on to high school.

Specifically, the school serves a community of students and parents looking to nurture social-emotional skills as well as academic success.

“Friends provides a strong balance of rich academic and social emotional curriculum with an emphasis on character development that allows our graduates to successfully transition into any high school environment,” said Director of Admissions Melanie Leggett on the school’s website.

“Parents delight in seeing their child come home from school each day thriving in the joy of learning, the excitement to return to school the next day and the discovery of knowing themselves well.”

Finding the right private school may also depend on the specific academic needs of students. At Boulder’s Temple Grandin School, the curriculum is geared toward “neurodiverse middle and high school learners.” According to Co-Founder Jennifer Wilger, students “come to us from a wide range of family and educational backgrounds, but share in common the challenge of finding a community of belonging. Because they are neither typical, nor typically autistic, they don’t easily fit into our society’s established educational models.”

Whatever the specific community, academic or social standards at any given private school, parents and students should look for a facility where quality, empathy and success are priorities, according to officials from Boulder’s diverse array of facilities. After all, a private school is still a place of learning, support and inspiration.

“We are all primary educators of our children, so when choosing the best private school for your child, it must align with your family’s mission, vision and goals,” Modglin said.

SCHOOL CHOICE

Raised in the Rockies

3 ways to make a positive impact in your community FAMILY FEATURES

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cts of kindness, big and small, have the ability to change the world, one community at a time. After more than a year of isolation for many people across the country, now is the perfect time to do good and build unity in your area.

According to a national survey from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, more than 1 in 3 Americans (36%) faced “serious loneliness” during the pandemic, including more than 60% of young adults.

You can help those craving a sense of connection with a few tips.

USE YOUR VOICE Words have power, and you can leverage yours to uplift, support and offer love.

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CULTIVATE GRATITUDE There are many benefits of showing gratitude to those around you, both for your friends and family and for you. Start by focusing internally; begin writing in a gratitude journal, jotting down three things you’re thankful for each day before going to bed. Continue by reflecting on each day with your partner or family at mealtime, celebrating the moments that brought a smile to your face. Finally, show your gratitude to those all around you by saying “thank you” at every opportunity for the big things and small ones.

November 2021

GET ACTIVE Take making a difference in your community to the next level by getting active with the organizations and associations that mean the most to you, starting at home.

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Complete chores you know your partner or family members don’t like doing.

Donate old towels and blankets to a local animal shelter.

Surprise a neighbor with freshly baked goodies.

Take used books to a local library.

Put your phone away while enjoying the company of others and focus on being present.

Start a piggy bank for a cause in need of funding.

Volunteer for a nonprofit that’s close to your heart.

Surprise someone behind you in the drive-thru line by paying for his or her order.

Leave an extra tip at your favorite restaurant or for your grocery delivery person.

Find more ways to inspire acts of kindness, give back to your community and support your neighborhood at secukindness.org.

KINDNESS CONNECTS

No matter the size of the act, random acts of kindness can leave a large and lasting impact. Instilling kindness in your children can be as simple as encouraging them to take part in simple (and fun) activities like these: Sidewalk chalk: Inspire creativity in your little artist by using sidewalk chalk

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Thank a teacher for making a difference in your life or your children’s.

Send a “thank you” card to your local fire station or police department.

Decorate your children’s bedroom doors with paper leaves, each featuring a reason you love them.

Leave a positive online review for a company, business or organization in your community.

Write an uplifting text message to five friends whom you haven’t spoken to recently.

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to write uplifting messages or draw colorful images in your neighborhood.

Wildflower seeds: Sprinkle wildflower seeds along your next walk to add pops of color for others to enjoy.

Notecards: Pick an uplifting design for your child to share his or her thanks with a teacher, send a sweet note to a friend or family member or write an inspiring message to mail to a child in need.

Cookie dough: For a delicious way to put a smile on someone else’s face, choose your favorite cookie dough and bake a sweet treat to surprise a neighbor or family member.

RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 21

Adams 12 Five Star Schools FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT | ADAMS 12 FIVE STAR SCHOOLS “The best view comes after the hardest climb.”

pride in and feel connected to the district’s positive culture

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s we journey through the 20212022 school year, this phrase is fitting for many reasons. Just ask someone who has climbed one of Colorado’s 14ers. Chances are they’ll have plenty of stories to tell about the views from the summit, as well as the ups and downs of their path to get there.

Closer to home, our students and staff in the Five Star District are on their own expedition so to speak. The guidepost for their journey is ELEVATE. It’s our strategic plan which outlines how we live out our mission of engaging and inspiring all students to innovate, achieve and succeed in a safe environment by ensuring high-quality instruction in every classroom, every day.

Our community identified three goals for elevating student success: Student Achievement • Raise achievement levels for

Social-Emotional Well-Being • Know every student by name, strength and need

Chris Gdowski, Superintendent all students and close existing achievement gaps • •

Increase graduation rate while increasing academic rigor Outperform peer districts

Climate & Culture • Students, parents and staff take

Summit Classical Academy partners with parents by providing an in-person, biblically based classical education.

NOW ENROLLING K-8

Adams 12 Five Star Schools is proud to be rated a Performance District for the sixth straight year and to have experienced the greatest academic growth over this time period as compared to peer districts. But we know the work is far from done, and we look forward to building upon this success.

I invite you to experience first-hand how we live out our strengths in the Five Star District - Care, Collaborate, Empower, Engage and Focus on Students.

Welcome! We’re excited for you to be a part of our family of schools.

Sincerely, Chris Gdowski, Superintendent Adams 12 Five Star Schools

More than just a school…

NOW ENROLLING 6TH-12TH GRADE

IT’S A COMMUNITY. TEMPLEGRANDINSCHOOL Growth From Strengths We provide a safe, supportive environment for students Get to know us at templegrandinschool.org | 303-554-7363

Summit Classical Academy 3031 W 144th Ave, Broomfield 22

RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

SCHOOL CHOICE

Adams 12 Five Star Schools ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Centennial Centennial Elementary is a community of learners dedicated to educating the whole child: physically, emotionally and intellectually.

Centennial provides active and innovative instruction, 21st century skills and critical thinking. Students demonstrate their new learning in all areas of their lives and become well-rounded, productive citizens.

Address: 13200 Westlake Drive, Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone: (720) 972-5280 Website: centennial.adams12.org Principal: Jami Miller Enrollment: K-5=360, PS=47 Capacity: K-5: 432, PS: 96 Daily Schedule: 8:05 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: White: 34.7%, Hispanic: 60.1%, African American: <1%, Asian: 1.7%, Native American: <1%, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.0%, Two or More Ethnicities: 2.2% Free and reduced lunch: 75.1% Open house/visitation: Please call the school for more information on enrollment, programs and student opportunities.

Coyote Ridge At Coyote Ridge, we provide a welcoming atmosphere which supports and encourages family and community partnerships. We are a collaborative staff focused on meeting the social/emotional and academic needs of all of our students. Students develop their individual talents, critical thinking, and technology skills by actively engaging in the learning process. As a PACK, we run together to achieve our lifelong learning goals!

Address: 13770 Broadlands Drive, Broomfield, CO 80023 Phone: (720) 972-5780 Website: coyote.adams12.org Principal: Dr. Michael Keppler Enrollment: 404 November 2021

Capacity: 456 (without mobile classrooms), 576 (with mobile classrooms) Daily Schedule: 8:05 a.m. to 3:00 p.m..

Student profile in percentages: White: 74.1%, Hispanic: 13.1%, African American: 1.3%, Asian: 6.3%, Native American: 0%, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: <1%, Two or More Ethnicities 5.0% Free and reduced lunch: 8.3% Open house/visitation: Please call the school for more information on enrollment, programs and student opportunities.

Meridian

Meridian opened its doors in 2004 with a focus on excellence.

Working with the community, the name Meridian was selected with an emphasis on the meaning “pertaining to the highest point.” Since that time, the staff, students, parents and community have continued to work together to make this vision come true.

Meridian has received multiple recognitions over the years for its outstanding growth and high achievement results, and the Meridian community remains focused and committed to providing its students with learning opportunities that they will take with them into middle school, high school, college and life.

Address: 14256 McKay Park Circle, Broomfield, CO 80023 Phone: (720) 972-7880 Website: meridian.adams12.org Principal: Jason Gooding Enrollment: 542 Capacity: 576 (without mobile classrooms), 768 (with mobile classrooms) Daily Schedule: 8:05 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: White: 68.6%, Hispanic: 15.4%, African American: 1.1%, Asian: 6.2%, Native American: 0%, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: <1%, Two or More Ethnicities: 8.5% Free and reduced lunch: 9.9% Open house/visitation: Please call the school for more information on enrollment, programs and student opportunities.

Mountain View

Mountain View is a special place where students and staff laugh, grow and learn together. Staff members know students as individuals and intentionally design learning environments so every child feels confident to take risks, be challenged and grow to their potential. The school’s center-based Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program is a strong, school-wide community of students, families and staff that partner together to provide opportunities for every child to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

Address: 12401 Perry St., Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone: (720) 972-5520 Website: mountain.adams12.org Principal: Peggy Heath Enrollment: K-5=496, PS=58 Capacity: 630 Daily Schedule: 8:05 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: White: 61.8%, Hispanic: 25.4%, African American: <1%, Asian: 5.2%, Native American: <1%, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%, Two or More Ethnicities: 6.7% Free and reduced lunch: 28.2% Open house/visitation: Please call the school for more information on enrollment, programs and student opportunities.

P-8 SCHOOLS Thunder Vista Thunder Vista opened its doors for the 2018-2019 school year. Since the beginning of this inaugural year, one of Thunder Vista’s essential goals is to create a positive, healthy and strong student climate and culture. This goal continues to be one that is of significant leverage for student success as the school has been recognized as a high-achieving, high-growth school by the Colorado Department of Education.

Thunder Vista empowers future ready, compassionate learners who live with intention with a school community that believes in the importance of motivating and inspiring, nurturing a growth mindset, showing that everyone has value, and fostering a learning community.

RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 23

Adams 12 Five Star Schools Grades served: P-8 Address: 3461 Preble Creek Pkwy., Broomfield CO 80023 Phone: (720) 972-7300 Website: thundervista.adams12.org Principal: Teresa Benallo Enrollment: K-8=714; PS=72 Capacity: 900 Daily schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: White: 76.9%, Hispanic: 10.6%, African American: <1%, Asian: 7.1%, Native American: 0.0%, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: <1%, Two or More Ethnicities: 4.4% Free and reduced lunch: 1.9% Open house/visitation: Please call the school for more information on enrollment, programs and student opportunities.

K-12 SCHOOL Prospect Ridge Academy Prospect Ridge Academy provides a rigorous, quality K-12 education with an intensified math and science focus using core knowledge sequence and researchbased college preparatory programming to provide a comprehensive foundation for lifelong learning creating academic, social, and ethical leaders.

Grades Served: Kindergarten through 12th Grades Address: 2555 Preble Creek Pkwy., Broomfield, CO 80023 Phone: (720) 399-0300 Website: prospectridgeacademy.org Executive Director: April Wilkin Principal: Elementary, Kera Pratt; Middle, Steve Thygesen; High, Adam DiGiacomo Enrollment: 1,463 Capacity: 1,600

Daily schedule: Elementary, Middle and High 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: White: 72.3%, Hispanic: 11.5%, African American: <1%, Asian: 8.8%, Native American: <1%, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: <1%, Two or More Ethnicities: 6.5% Free and reduced lunch: 1.7% Open house/visitation: Please call the school for more information on enrollment, programs and student opportunities.

MIDDLE SCHOOL Westlake Westlake is an exemplary middle school at which academic excellence is expected and cultivated through a collaborative partnership among students, staff and parents. The Westlake community fosters a caring, respectful environment that is focused on learning. Westlake empowers all members of its team to become leaders, innovators and learners in continual pursuit of ongoing improvements and achievement every day. Our hopes for our school community is best defined by our vision: Igniting a passion for learning and service: Dream, Risk, Achieve!

Address: 2800 W. 135th Ave., Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone: (720) 972-5200 Website: westlake.adams12.org Principal: Terrell Price Enrollment: 950 Capacity: 1,175 Daily Schedule: 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: White: 61.5%, Hispanic: 26.2%, African American: <1%, Asian: 5%, Native American: <1%, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%, Two or More Ethnicities: 5.9%.

Free and reduced lunch: 27.3% Open house/visitation: Please call the school for more information on enrollment, programs and student opportunities.

HIGH SCHOOL Legacy Legacy High School provides opportunities, expectations and support for each student to achieve academic excellence. The partnership of staff, students, families and the community encourages individual integrity, personal growth and enthusiasm for the future.

Legacy continues to be recognized as a high-achieving, high-growth high school by the Colorado Department of Education. Legacy offers Legacy 2000, a four-year program that is designed for students who have an interest and ability in math, science, engineering and technology.

Address: 2701 W. 136th Ave., Broomfield, CO 80023 Phone: (720) 972-6700 Website: legacy.adams12.org Principal: Sara Marx Enrollment: 2,342 Capacity: 2,000 (without mobile classrooms), 2,400 (includes mobile classrooms) Daily Schedule: 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: White: 63.3%, Hispanic: 22.9%, African American: 1.1%, Asian: 7.5%, Native American: <1%, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: <1%, Two or More Ethnicities: 4.7% Free and reduced lunch: 19.2% Open house/visitation: Please call the school for more information on enrollment, programs and student opportunities.

SAVING MADE EASY! greenlightsavings.com

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RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

SCHOOL CHOICE

Boulder Valley School District FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT | BOULDER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT Join a school district that is All Together for All Students

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• • •

e know looking for a great school district for your child is about much more than academic achievement. It is about finding a great fit for your family in: An outstanding community In schools where students succeed And a school district whose values match your own

If you are committed to equity, look no further than the Boulder Valley School District – where our outstanding educators are leading the way on ground breaking work for the benefit of EVERY child through our All Together for All Students strategic plan.

Sure, BVSD and its schools regularly top the rankings (#1 in the Denver Area and #4 in Colorado according to Niche, plus three schools in Colorado’s top 20 according to US News and World Report). We’ve also got a long track record of preparing students for success.

Whether they want to attend one of the

Rob Anderson, Superintendent best colleges or universities in the country or explore space (two BVSD alumni are NASA astronauts), BVSD is an excellent launchpad for students who want to achieve their dreams. And it is a place where our educators love to work (BVSD was recently ranked as the #1 Employer in Colorado (Forbes, 2020).

We, however, were not willing to stop there. BVSD has worked to be a leader in ensuring that ALL students feel safe and supported in their learning.

Ten years ago our Board of Education

Sincerely, Rob Anderson Superintendent Boulder Valley School District

Mental Health Partners Provides Support port For Every Chapter In Life

Parents Day Out! Flexible preschool for children aged 3-5 Interact with other children Develop important social/emotional and academic skills Christian school setting No commitment or costs of a year-long school schedule

passed a landmark policy supporting transgender students, and today we are implementing a new system that is addressing disproportionate discipline for our students of color.

While many school districts would be happy with BVSD’s level of student achievement, BVSD won’t be satisfied until every last student has the opportunities and support needed to succeed.

We call this Excellence Through Equity and we are looking for more families who want to be part of something big – something that has the potential to change education across the nation.

Join a school district that is All Together for All Students.

If you’re not yet part of the Boulder Valley School District, learn more about the district and enroll at www.bvsd.org.

Read more about the All Together for All Students strategic plan at www.bvsd.org/ strategic-plan.

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November 2021

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RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 25

Boulder Valley School District

Address: 655 Sir Galahad Drive, Lafayette, CO 80026 Phone: 720-561-7300 Website: sae.bvsd.org Principal: Joel Rivera Enrollment: 323 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Bear Creek

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RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

Bear Creek is a neighborhood school focused on providing the best possible learning experience and community for

Address: 2500 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder, CO 80305 Phone: 720-561-3500 Website: bce.bvsd.org Principal: Tanner Dayhoff Enrollment: 345 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Birch

Birch Elementary is a warm and welcoming elementary school serving students in the Broomfield area. Birch serves approximately 350 students in PK-5th grade.

Birch is honored to have received the Governor’s Improvement Award in 2017 and 2018 due to our exceptionally high academic growth rates. Students actively participate in music, studio art, physical education, and library as well as a large number of community-building events.

Learning at Birch gets students engaged with hands-on projects, inquiry-based learning, and real-life math applications.

Birch offers special services for students with disabilities, as well as for those who are talented and gifted, and strives to meet the needs of all students. The essence of Birch lies in the true sense of community, which is embedded in every aspect of the school. You will find the Birch community to be warm, welcoming, and a great place to call home. Birch also offers free and tuition-based preschool classes.

Address: 1035 Birch St., Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone: 720-561-8800 Website: bie.bvsd.org Principal: Tanya Santee

Enrollment: 329 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Boulder Community School of Integrated Studies at Aurora 7

Boulder Community School of Integrated Studies (BCSIS) is a focus school that opened in the fall of 1996. Our school features an Arts Integrated curriculum in which creative expression acts as a vehicle for academic engagement and learning. Our teachers and students honor many modes of expression and celebrate cultural diversity. The BCSIS focus program integrates the arts into a rich, meaningful academic curriculum. Our staff also implements Waldorf-inspired practices to further enhance our classroom environments. Teachers use stories, songs, movement, art, and music from around the world as tools for teaching math, language arts, science, and social studies.

We emphasize the development of children’s sensitivity to the natural world and aesthetic beauty. Our science curriculum supports an understanding of sustainable practices, incorporating our school’s Garden to Table and Eco-Cycle programs.

Seasonal festivals create a framework for celebrating the growth and development of each child.

Address: 3995 E. Aurora Ave., Boulder, CO 80303 Phone: 720-561-6500 Website: bcsis.bvsd.org Principal: Phil Katsampes Enrollment: 286 Daily Schedule: 8:05 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:05 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.

Boulder Universal Boulder Universal has two school options.

BU and BU Link. Boulder Universal: BU Elementary is an online public school serving BVSD and other Colorado students in grades K-5. Courses are taught in an asynchronous format by BVSD teachers using curriculum aligned to state and district standards. Elementary courses implement content from Florida Virtual School (FLVS). Students engage SCHOOL CHOICE

Alicia Sanchez is a neighborhood school committed to the vision of Alicia Sanchez, as a family and community-centered learning environment. Our students receive the benefits of a wide range of programming resources, including low student/staff ratios, personalized instruction, interventions based on student needs, computers for all students, 21stcentury technology integration, and environmental education through a partnership with Thorne Environmental Education. Sanchez is also a Playworks school, where students learn valuable lessons on fitness and develop socioemotional skills through play every day during recess. Our outstanding afterschool Dragon program offers free extended learning experiences for all students, with classes like African dance and soccer. Alicia Sanchez also offers a high quality, play-based preschool program that focuses on kindergarten readiness in a fun and interactive environment. Our school prides itself on providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment for all students.

each of our students. Our highly-qualified staff aims to create student-centered classrooms where all children belong and are challenged to meet their individual potential. Parent and community partnerships, including a highly supportive PTO, create opportunities for before and after school activities (Intramurals, Spotlights Choir, enrichment classes) and fun whole school events (Carnival, Lip Sync, International Culture Festival). Bear Creek is highly recognized for academics, yet our greatest celebration is our community.

Elementary Schools Alicia Sanchez

Boulder Valley School District

Boulder Universal Link: BU LInk Elementary is an online public school serving BVSD K-5 students. Courses are taught in a synchronous format by BVSD teachers using BVSD curriculum and standards.

Classes meet daily in a virtual classroom setting. All teachers are BVSD teachers and class size ratio is similar to other BVSD schools. BU Link has weekly opportunities built within the schedule to meet with teachers in a small group or 1:1 basis. Tuition is free for students enrolled in BVSD. Address: 6600 E. Arapahoe Road, Boulder, CO 80303 Phone: 720-561-5500 Website: boulderuniversal.org Principal: Eric Moroye Elementary Enrollment: 98 (BU) and 100 (BU Link)

Coal Creek

November 2021

Coal Creek Elementary maintains a proud tradition in Louisville as a neighborhood school, serving around 400 students in grades K-5. Consistently highly rated by the Colorado Department of Education, Coal Creek teachers present the BVSD curriculum based on a child-centered, holistic approach to education. Students receive rich experiences in general and instrumental music, physical education, library/ technology, and studio-based art.

The school is dedicated to strengthening students’ problem-solving skills by integrating the “Habits of Mind” model, based on the work of Dr. Arthur Costa.

We received the honor of being named a Habits of Mind International School of Excellence in 2017. Extracurricular activities through Lifelong Learning include Spanish, fitness/running, art extensions, and more. After-school care is offered through SAC (School Age Care). Hallmarks of the school include a low transfer rate and

high parental involvement.

Address: 801 W. Tamarisk St., Louisville, CO 80027 Phone: 720-561-4500 Website: cce.bvsd.org Principal: Brian Muñoz Enrollment: 371 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Columbine

Columbine students enjoy being part of an inclusive and welcoming neighborhood school that nurtures the whole child in a bilingual learning environment.

The school community thrives in its rich diversity, inclusionary practices, focus on equity and social justice, and family partnerships. All students are held to high expectations and are supported in reaching their maximum academic potential in Spanish and English. The Columbine staff is highly-qualified, experienced, very caring and dedicated to students.

The Columbine teaching staff engages in weekly data dives to examine students’ academic strengths and how they can support students in reaching their next goals. Columbine also offers a high quality, play-based preschool program that focuses on kindergarten readiness in a fun and interactive environment.

Address: 3130 Repplier Drive, Boulder, CO 80304 Phone: 720-561-2500 Website: coe.bvsd.org Principal: Dr. Bianca Gallegos Enrollment: 410 (PK - 5th) Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Community Montessori

Community Montessori is a focus school and the only public Montessori school in the Boulder Valley School District where we guide and support the whole child: mind, body and spirit. Community Montessori serves children from preschool through fifth grade. Classrooms are multi-age: Children’s House includes children ages 3 through kindergarten; Lower Elementary is first through third grades, and Upper Elementary is fourth and fifth grades. The Montessori method challenges each student through a childcentered, individualized approach. The classroom environment allows children to move freely and make challenging choices within safe limits and clear academic expectations. Transportation is offered for those who qualify.

Address: 805 Gillaspie Drive, Boulder, CO 80305 Phone: 720-561-3700 Website: cme.bvsd.org Principal: Shannon Minch Enrollment: 263 (preK-5th) Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Creekside

Creekside Elementary School at Martin Park, located in south Boulder, is a dynamic neighborhood school hosting an international student population. Creekside is proud and grateful to be in a new school building designed to foster the 4Cs of 21st-century learning: collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Our bright, beautiful building allows student choice in types of workspaces and furniture in order to individualize learning and build a community of original thinkers. Creekside offers a high quality, play-based preschool program that focuses on kindergarten readiness in a fun and interactive environment.

We are also proud to have been the first school in BVSD to have a Garden to Table program. This program is a collaborative project that provides fresh, healthy, delicious meals in the lunchroom and uses the organic school garden as a means of teaching.

Address: 3740 Martin Drive, Boulder, CO 80305

and interact with their actual teacher and classmates from across the country in an asynchronous online setting, allowing students to learn at any time and place.

Since all teachers are BVSD teachers, class size ratio is equivalent to all BVSD schools. Boulder Universal also has a learning lab staffed with your teachers for students to get one-on-one support. Tuition is free for students enrolled in BVSD.

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Boulder Valley School District

Crest View is a neighborhood school that serves a large area of north Boulder represented by over 35 countries in our community. The school uses personalized education programs to encourage the highest academic achievement and student growth. Crest View students are afforded multiple learning opportunities in the maker space, creation station and through mindfulness lessons. It offers a wide variety of programs for specialneeds students, Gifted and Talented, and English language learners. A long-standing peer mediation program, as well as Garden to Table, has received state recognition. Crest View also received national awards for the creation of “Habitat,” a natural learning environment attached to the school playground. Students are given an opportunity to share their skills through a Science & Innovation fair yearly and pursue their passions in the newly renovated library.

Address: 1897 Sumac Ave., Boulder, CO 80304 Phone: 720-561-5461 Web site: cve.bvsd.org Principal: Hollene Davis Enrollment: 448 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Douglass

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RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

Douglass Elementary serves students in

Address: 840 75th St., Boulder, CO 80303 Phone: 720-561-5541 Website: doe.bvsd.org Principal: Jonathan Wolfer Enrollment: 301 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Eisenhower to understand the wonder of learning and the importance of community. Gifted programs, ELD programs, special education programs, before- and after-school care and a variety of student activities are available. We offer a high quality, play-based preschool program that focuses on kindergarten readiness in a fun and interactive environment.

Our diverse student population is truly a community of learners. Parent participation and involvement is encouraged. At Eisenhower, we SOAR (Safety, Ownership, Achievement, Respect).

Address: 1220 Eisenhower Drive, Boulder, CO 80303 Phone: 720-561-6700 Website: eie.bvsd.org Principal: Brady Stroup Enrollment: 353 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Emerald

Eisenhower

Eisenhower is a vibrant neighborhood school serving a dynamic, involved community. We are proud of our students’ high achievement and high-performance record. Eisenhower has been the recipient of the John Irwin School of Excellence award and has been named as one of the top 25 schools in the Denver Metro area by the Denver Business Journal.. The school urges students to reach their fullest potential through authentic work, fun, and real accomplishment. Social Emotional Learning is a priority where we use the Zones of Regulation, monthly themed lessons, and the Peace Path to teach our students how to thrive as a community.

Eisenhower is a No Place for Hate school sponsored by the ADL, and we participate in the Reading to End Racism program.

We strive for all those associated with

Emerald is a neighborhood school with diversity that mirrors the real world. In 2016-17, the school was rebuilt and Emerald 2.0 opened in August of 2017. The building features an innovative learning environment, access to the outdoors and natural light, and flexible spaces.

We believe in building positive relationships with our four magical words (Focus, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy) to every student for success for everyone. Contributing to our continued success are strong balanced literacy and math programs and an incredibly dedicated staff. We pride ourselves on the fact that every student is supported, challenged, and successful at our school. Emerald is proud to be the home of the dragons!

Address: 275 Emerald Street, Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone: 720-561-8500 Website: eme.bvsd.org Principal: Samara Williams Enrollment: 393 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

SCHOOL CHOICE

Crest View

East Boulder County. Our school’s many years of high academic achievement and student growth have been acknowledged at state and national levels with honors such as the John Irwin and Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Awards from the Colorado Department of Education, and the National Blue Ribbon School Award. While those honors for academics are significant, we know that teaching to the whole child and the development of character is equally important. At Douglass, we CARE: Community, Achievement, Relationships, and Environment. Douglass Elementary School is a nurturing environment where students achieve academic excellence, build strong character, engage in arts and athletics, and succeed as thoughtful leaders. Our mission is to provide learning opportunities that foster caring, creativity, academic excellence, and leadership. Douglass also offers a high quality, play-based preschool program that focuses on kindergarten readiness in a fun and interactive environment.

Phone: 720-561-3800 Website: cre.bvsd.org Principal: Francine Eufemia Enrollment: 332 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Boulder Valley School District Fireside

and energetic parent volunteers. Creative thinking is encouraged via Project-Based Learning. As a No Place for Hate school, Flatirons strives to be a bias-free environment. We value diverse family systems, races, cultures, religions, genders, and abilities, fostering an inclusive environment where a true sense of belonging to the classroom, school, and community is nurtured in each student.

Flatirons

Flatirons Elementary is a warm and welcoming neighborhood school within walking distance of Chautauqua Park, CU, and downtown Boulder. Our long tradition of providing outstanding educational experiences is accomplished through the efforts of an excellent and collaborative faculty and staff, as well as supportive

Foothill Elementary is committed to creating an engaging environment that nurtures the whole child. Our interdisciplinary approaches to learning are inquiry-based, student-centered, and collaborative. We challenge all learners through differentiation and measure their success in multiple ways to truly reflect their individual growth and progress. Foothill Elementary provides a strong foundation in early literacy and science education.

We utilize small, focused reading groups during Grow Time to ensure each child receives reading instruction at their level.

We have a comprehensive Garden to Table program, promote environmental responsibility, and are leading the way in BVSD to teach the Next Generation science curricula at the elementary level.

United by our shared purpose, our highly committed parents and staff support learning and community-building experiences inside and outside of the classroom. Together we Grow - with curiosity, creativity, and compassion.

Address: 1001 Hawthorn Ave., Boulder, CO 80304 Phone: 720-561-2600 Website: foe.bvsd.org Principal: Nick Vanderpol Enrollment: 434 Daily Schedule: 8:35 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:35 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

Address: 845 W. Dahlia St., Louisville, CO 80027 Phone: 720-561-7900 Website: fie.bvsd.org Principal: Christa Keppler Enrollment: 461 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

November 2021

Foothill

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Fireside is a neighborhood school serving Louisville. As a “Fireside Family,” we believe strong relationships are fundamental to supporting the growth and development of every child. This includes partnering with teachers, administration, parents and our community to provide the very best educational experience for all students.

Rigorous academic programming, handson learning experiences, innovative and adaptive instructional approaches, and attention to students’ social, emotional and physical well-being are some of the principles inherent in our school. Our aim is to equip every child with lifelong skills, habits for learning, and a solid character foundation in order to become contributing citizens and inspired learners. Fireside also offers a high quality, play-based preschool program that focuses on kindergarten readiness in a fun and interactive environment.

Address: 1150 7th St., Boulder, CO 80302 Phone: 720-561-4600 Website: fle.bvsd.org Principal: Scott Boesel Enrollment: 182 Daily Schedule: 8:35 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:35 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

Gold Hill

Gold Hill is a historic mining town nestled in the mountains above Boulder. Founded in 1873, Gold Hill School is the oldest continuously run elementary school in Colorado. The school is a small, studentcentered, experiential school. Being a vital part of this vibrant mountain community, we work with members of the community learning history, being beekeepers, and other fun activities.. Gold Hill School is unique in that the children are in multi-age classrooms and experience a great variety of material. We have the woods outside our doorstep and utilize them in our learning process. Having two teachers over a six-year period has the benefit of helping ease transitions between grades. The students are able to form strong, lasting relationships.

Address: 890 Main St., Gold Hill, CO 80302 Phone: 720-561-5940 Website: ghe.bvsd.org Principal: Scott Boesel Enrollment: 17 Daily Schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday Late start 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Heatherwood

Heatherwood Elementary School’s academic strength lies in a balanced and integrated curricular program. Children master and apply literacy and math skills through learning that emphasizes research, problem-solving, simulations, and technology. The instructional program goes on to teach the use of those skills in higher-level problem-solving.

Staff and parents foster mutual cooperation, emotional support, and personal and academic growth for all students.

RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 29

Boulder Valley School District Children benefit from flexible classroom settings, team teaching, and communications. Heatherwood also offers a high quality, play-based preschool program that focuses on kindergarten readiness in a fun and interactive environment.

Address: 7750 Concord Drive, Boulder, CO 80301 Phone: 720-561-6900 Website: hee.bvsd.org Principal: Genna Jaramillo Enrollment: 250 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

High Peaks

High Peaks is a multiple-award-winning Core Knowledge focus school that opened in 1995. Teachers use creative methods such as art projects, dramatizations, reading and writing workshops, and collaborative learning to bring the Core Knowledge Sequence to life. Core Knowledge uses a planned progression of specific content in world history, geography, science, language arts, and the fine arts.

High Peaks also offers differentiated math opportunities based on specific student needs. Mission Statement: High Peaks integrates essential skills and authentic content within the framework of the Core Knowledge Sequence to foster academic excellence and continued growth. In an atmosphere of respect and collaboration among all members of the High Peaks Community, students will build self-esteem and a lasting love of learning.

Address: 3995 E. Aurora Ave., Boulder, CO 80303 Phone: 720-561-6500 Website: hpe.bvsd.org Principal: Christopher Basten Enrollment: 260 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Jamestown

Jamestown is a small mountain school with a dedicated team of two teachers and extensive support staff, serving grades K-5. Jamestown’s unheard of student-to-teacher ratio allows individualized learning and creative and flexible educational approaches. Students work in small, multi-age groups. A developmental approach, rather than grade level approach is emphasized. Jamestown’s greatest strength is its welcoming and loving environment where students learn the lifelong lessons of patience, respect, integrity, determination, and empathy.

Community and parent involvement are extremely valued.

Address: 111 Mesa St., Jamestown, CO 80455 Phone: 720-561-6020 Website: jae.bvsd.org/ Principal: Scott Boesel Enrollment: 20 Daily Schedule: Bell Times: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

partnerships within our community.

Through quality classroom instruction and a robust PBIS system that is deeply embedded in Kohl’s culture, we strive to meet the emotional, social, physical, and intellectual needs of our students, such that they love learning and are prepared for tomorrow’s challenges as tomorrow’s leaders. Our talented and enthusiastic staff are themselves learners, currently engaging in the study and implementation of Data Driven Instructional practices (DDI). As a STEM Pilot School, Kohl students have the opportunity to explore coding and robotics in a manner that connects to state math standards, as well as instruction that is appropriately differentiated and of sufficient depth and breadth to engage all learners. Beyond a high-quality K-5 education, Kohl offers a play-based preschool program that focuses on kindergarten readiness.

Address: 1000 W. 10th Ave., Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone: 720-561-8600 Website: koe.bvsd.org Principal: Geoff Sandfort Enrollment: 313 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Lafayette

Kohl

Kohl Elementary is one of few remaining neighborhood schools. It is situated in a park-like tract of land that anchors our portion of the Broomfield community.

Our families and staff know it’s true; the grass really is greener in Colt Country. This explains the number of multi-generational Kohl families in our school community. We are proud of our history, excited by our present, and eagerly anticipate a future filled with innovative learning opportunities for students. Kohl is known as a high-achieving school; one that honors the individuality of children, values connections with parents, and intentionally cultivates

Lafayette Elementary School provides a rich academic program in a culturally diverse environment. Students benefit from individualized opportunities made possible by a comprehensive Gifted and Talented focus program. A Gifted and Talented Teacher Leader works directly with students, teachers, and parents to design educational experiences based upon identified strengths and talents. Our staff is committed to providing differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all students, including second language learners and children with special needs.

A character education program, class meetings, Peace Process, and leadership groups for students foster a positive climate. Lafayette also offers a high quality, play-based preschool program that focuses on kindergarten readiness in a fun and interactive environment. Our school motto is: We are learners, we are leaders, we are Lafayette Cougars!

Boulder Valley School District Address: 101 N. Bermont Ave., Lafayette, CO 80026 Phone: 720-561-8900 Website: lae.bvsd.org Principal: Stephanie Jackman Enrollment: 466 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Mapleton Early Childhood Center

Address: 1575 Lehigh St., Boulder, CO 80305 Phone: 720-561-3000 Website: mee.bvsd.org Principal: Josh Baldner Enrollment: 247 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Louisville

Louisville Elementary is a neighborhood school in the heart of Old Town Louisville. Our staff sets students on a course of lifelong learning through an academic program that is grounded in developmentally appropriate academic standards.

We also seek to live out our core values of inclusion, community involvement, and student success for all. Our high-quality instructional program has resulted in increased student achievement in all content areas. Louisville encourages school pride, positive behaviors and attitudes through our counseling program and social-emotional learning in all classrooms.

Parents support our school in a multitude of ways, from volunteering at school to organizing fun and well-attended school social events. Louisville Elementary has close affiliations with EcoCycle (school recycling), the GROWE Foundation (community gardens), the YMCA, and Louisville Recreation. Moreover, BVSD’s Lifelong Learning Programs are abundant and offer many after school learning opportunities to LES students. LES is a true community school!

Address: 400 Hutchinson St., Louisville, CO 80027 Phone: 720-561-7200 Website: loe.bvsd.org Principal: Jeffrey Miller Enrollment: 454 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

is something for every student, and the teachers at Mesa strive tirelessly to foster the growth of each and every student.

Mapleton Early Childhood Center welcomes learners ages 3-5 to our beautiful historic building on Mapleton Hill in Boulder. Here, we offer half-day and fullday preschool programs. Children come to us from a diverse array of neighborhoods, and we meet each child at their unique place in the learning journey. Our creative curriculum promotes progress in all developmental areas and helps every child become a creative, confident thinker and ready learner. We focus on social-emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development, as well as early learning standards in literacy, mathematics, science and technology, social studies and the arts.

Address: 840 Mapleton Ave., Boulder, 80304 Phone: 720-561-6200 Website: mpe.bvsd.org Principal: Theresa Clements Enrollment: 63 Daily Schedule: Call for details

Mesa

From the moment you walk into Mesa, you notice genuine warmth among teachers, students, and families. It is the strong sense of community that drives student success. Mesa is in the top five percent of achievement among all Colorado elementary schools. The academic program is enhanced by a value for the arts. There

Nederland

Nederland Elementary School is dedicated to providing students with an innovative elementary school experience filled with adventurous learning opportunities that will ignite lifelong curiosity and provide students with a strong academic foundation for future learning.

Our highly-qualified staff integrates science and social studies with our mountain surroundings by getting outside whenever possible. Students are able to ski and snowboard as part of our Ned Shred Days Program. We have high-expectations for all students and focus on equity to ensure all students succeed. In addition, we emphasize the whole-child and social emotional development through our social emotional curriculum (Second Step), daily mindfulness, and restorative practices to resolve conflict. We have a very active PTA and a number of community based partnerships to support student learning.

Address: 1 Sundown Trail, Nederland, CO 80466 Phone: 720-561-4800 Website: nee.bvsd.org Principal: Caleb Melamed Enrollment: 191 Daily Schedule: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

FESTIVALS // CONCERTS // ART THEATER // FOOD + DRINK

November 2021

VIEW ALL EVENTS AT: COLORADOBOXOFFICE.COM RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 31

Boulder Valley School District

Address: 101 E. Baseline Road, Lafayette, CO 80026 Phone: 720-561-7800 Website: pie.bvsd.org Principal: Anabel Rafoul Enrollment: 461 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Ryan

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RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

Ryan Elementary STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) School is a dynamic learning community with a focus on partnering with families and the community to prepare students for the 21st century. Ryan develops the whole child with experiential project-based learning activities in the

Address: 1405 Centaur Village Drive, Lafayette, CO 80026 Phone: 720-561-7000 Website: rye.bvsd.org Principal: Cameo DeDominces Enrollment: 477 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Superior

Superior Elementary sets high academic standards and creates dynamic inclusive learning environments where students explore and investigate using critical thinking skills. Highlights include a spiraling social studies curriculum with engaging topics through which children learn American and world history, geography, and the study of many cultures. Science topics are reinforced through hands-on activities, experiments, and observations.

A comprehensive language arts curriculum enhances and extends across all subject areas. The school also has exceptional inclusive programs in physical education, music, and art. Choirs, clubs, intramural sports, and enrichment classes extend the school day. The Positive Behavior Intervention Support program unites the school around the words of respect, acceptance, and responsibility. The latest in media and technology are available throughout the school -- televised morning announcements, iPads, Chromebooks, Internet research and a wireless building add to rich integration of technology into the curriculum.

Address: 1800 S. Indiana St., Superior, CO 80027 Phone: 720-561-4100 Website: sue.bvsd.org Principal: Jennifer Korb Enrollment: 453

Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

University Hill

Founded in 1906, University Hill is one of Boulder’s oldest elementary schools. Its bilingual learning environment focuses on the diverse needs of all children and prepares them to be responsible world citizens who are biliterate in Spanish and English, and who excel in academics and thrive in a global community. The vision of University Hill is to provide a caring environment where children are empowered to be critical thinkers, mindful community members, and culturally competent, bilingual individuals. Our staff is highly diverse -- many have come to us from countries such as Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Our school community thrives on its diversity, inclusionary practices, and socialemotional skill development. University Hill also offers a high quality, play-based preschool program that focuses on kindergarten readiness in a fun and interactive environment.

Address: 956 16th St., Boulder, CO 80302 Phone: 720-561-5416 Website: uhe.bvsd.org Principal: Mayorvy Cifuentes Enrollment: 421 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Whittier International

The second school built in Boulder, Whittier International was founded in 1882 and is situated in the heart of the city. Whittier is a neighborhood school with an international focus, serving stuSCHOOL CHOICE

Located in Old Town Lafayette, Escuela Bilingüe Pioneer is a 90/10 dual immersion bilingual focus school where all students enroll through the district’s openenrollment process. An effort is made to balance students based upon their home language and language of dominance. There is a bi-literacy instructional focus across the school as students work toward building bridges between Spanish and English. A multilingual perspective is infused throughout the curriculum.

Pioneer students benefit from 80 minutes of instruction in physical education, music, art, library and technology each week. Additionally, Pioneer values community partnerships to offer a variety of after-school enrichment. Pioneer also offers a high quality, play-based preschool program that focuses on kindergarten readiness in a fun and interactive environment.

STEAM areas. Ryan embraces technology as a tool for engaging students and supporting learning. With a strong belief that partnerships nurture excellence, Ryan partners with the University of Colorado, Thorne Nature Experience, and Growe Foundation (to name a few). A wide variety of after-school programming is offered to extend the learning day and support the focus.

Escuela Bilingüe Pioneer

Boulder Valley School District

Address: 2008 Pine St., Boulder, CO 80302 Phone: 720-561-5431 Website: whe.bvsd.org Principal: Sarah Oswick Enrollment: 325 Daily Schedule: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 8:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

K-8 SCHOOLS Aspen Creek PK-8

Aspen Creek PK-8 students receive engaging academic programming. Art, music, and physical education at the elementary level and the exploratory/elective programs at the middle level are offered.

In grades sixth through eighth, we offer teaming and exploratory programming to students. Our quality teachers are provided with job-embedded professional development opportunities that support quality instruction within the classroom.

We have a strong parent community supporting the school. Aspen Creek also offers a high quality, play-based preschool program that focuses on kindergarten readiness in a fun and interactive environment.

November 2021

Address: 5500 Aspen Creek Drive, Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone: 720-561-8000 Website: ac8.bvsd.org Principal: Jennifer Bedford Enrollment: 721 Daily Schedule: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Eldorado PK-8 A neighborhood school serving the Town of Superior, CO. Eldorado PK-8 sets high academic standards for all students and provides a rigorous learning experience that celebrates students’ strengths as well as taking a whole-child approach to education. Eldorado PK-8 offers accelerated sixth grade through eighth grade classes in mathematics and language arts, Gifted and Talented programming, an inclusive special education learning environment, Spanish as a World Language elective, and a dynamic English Language Development program for our English language learners. Eldorado PK-8 also offers a high quality, play-based preschool program that focuses on kindergarten readiness in a fun and interactive environment. At Eldorado PK-8, faculty/staff, students, and families work collaboratively so that all students are challenged to their potential in a culture that fosters curiosity and risktaking. As part of our culture, Eldorado PK-8 offers several enrichment opportunities before and after school for students to delve into their interests, while also building on their collaboration skills with our teachers and community.

Address: 3351 Indiana St., Superior, CO 80027 Phone: 720-561-4400 Website: el8.bvsd.org Principal: Barb Aswege Enrollment: 648 Daily Schedule: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Horizons K-8

Since 1991, Horizons K-8 has offered a relationship-based and engaging program where students consistently meet or exceed rigorous academic and behavioral

dents from close to 50 countries. As an authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program school, Whittier combines the BVSD curriculum with an internationally recognized academic framework that focuses on civic engagement to improve our world. “Inquiry” is a primary strategy used to integrate higher-order thinking, questioning and application of content knowledge through transdisciplinary units of study. In addition, students in K-5 are introduced to Spanish as a world language.

expectations. With a balanced focus on high academic expectations and individual attention to the whole child, our committed teachers guide students to become self-directed learners and community contributors in a respectful and caring environment. Student-led family conferences, portfolios, and performancebased assessments keep learning relevant and authentic. Our high-interest curriculum offers a variety of developmentally appropriate academic experiences both inside and outside the classroom, including outdoor education, service learning, performances, STEAM, art, music, physical education, and Spanish instruction school-wide. In recognition of high academic achievement by students and the consistent hard work of an innovative and dynamic staff, Horizons has repeatedly been awarded the Colorado Department of Education John J. Irwin School of Excellence Award. Small, multi-age classes and instruction that balances academic and social-emotional learning continue to be a hallmark of the Horizons program.

Address: 4545 Sioux Drive, Boulder, CO 80303 Phone: 720-561-3600 Website: horizonsk8school.org Principal: Lucas Ketzer Enrollment: 349 Daily Schedule:

Meadowlark School

Serving Students in Grades PK-8 Meadowlark School is Boulder Valley School District’s first school in Erie and serves students in PK through eighth grade. The school is a dynamic learning environment organized into five multi-age learning communities: PK-K, 1st-2nd, 3rd4th, 5th-6th and 7th-8th. Flexible grouping arrangements and project-based learning (PBL) are two of our core tenets in creating challenging, meaningful, and engaging learning opportunities for all students. The innovative educational spaces promote collaboration and partnerships for all stakeholders. Personalized learning is a cornerstone of the learning community model. Meadowlark School also offers a high quality, play-based preschool program that focuses on kindergarten readiness in a fun and interactive environment. Our staff work in collabo-

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Boulder Valley School District K-12 SCHOOLS Peak to Peak Charter

Address: 2300 Meadow Sweet Lane, Erie, CO 80516 Phone: 720-561-5403 Website: ml8.bvsd.org Principal: Brent Caldwell Enrollment: 648 Daily Schedule: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Monarch PK-8 is a welcoming community school serving students in preschool through eighth grade. Our school community thrives on its diversity, inclusionary practices, and social emotional skill development. Our mission is to empower all learners to reach their unique potential and become compassionate, engaged global citizens. Monarch PK-8 is studentfocused and dedicated to meeting the needs of all students through a rigorous academic program including strong arts, electives and physical education programs as well as supporting students’ social-emotional development. Monarch PK-8 offers accelerated sixth-grade through eighth-grade classes in mathematics and language arts, Talented and Gifted programming, an inclusive special education learning environment, Spanish as a World Language elective, and a dynamic English Language Development program for our English language learners. Monarch PK-8 also offers a high quality, play-based preschool program that focuses on kindergarten readiness in a fun and interactive environment.

Address: 263 Campus Drive, Louisville, CO 80027 Phone: 720-561-4000 Website: mo8.bvsd.org Principal: Robin Techmanski Enrollment: 679 Daily Schedule: 8:05 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:05 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.

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MIDDLE SCHOOLS Angevine Peak to Peak is a liberal arts, college preparatory school designed for graduates to exceed entrance requirements of top colleges and universities. High expectations are an important part of the school culture, and each student is seen as an individual of great potential and promise.

Students are challenged through appropriate placement in each subject. Character development is an integral part of all aspects of the school.

Peak to Peak’s elementary school uses ability grouping and differentiation to meet student needs. Accelerated classes are offered beginning in first grade to students showing prior mastery of grade level content. Teachers intentionally design learning experiences to address the whole child, including daily discussion of socialemotional learning, alternative seating options, and movement integration within each classroom throughout the day. Peak to Peak’s middle school offers a smallschool environment with a challenging sequence of standard and honors courses in core academic areas along with a rich variety of electives to prepare students for Peak to Peak’s challenging high school program. The middle school also offers students an opportunity to participate in an array of extracurricular activities and athletics. College counseling engages students early on, and continues throughout their K-12 experience. Peak to Peak’s high school program includes a wide variety of standard, honors, advanced placement and post-AP classes. College counseling is integrated into lessons in the classroom in grades 9-12 and is based on a personalized approach to helping students access the colleges and universities of their choice and best fit after high school.

Address: 800 Merlin Drive, Lafayette, CO 80026 Phone: 303-453-4600

PK-8 SCHOOLS Monarch PK-8

Website: peaktopeak.org Principal: Elementary school- Melissa Christensen; Middle school- Clara Quinlan; High school- Kyle Mathews Enrollment: 1448 Daily Schedule: Elementary 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Secondary 7:55 a.m. 3:10 p.m.

Angevine Middle School is a student-centered middle school with an emphasis on academic achievement and social learning. Our greatest joy is working together to foster an inclusive learning environment that promotes the success of all students. Learning at Angevine goes beyond specific content to include communication, human relations, problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. Our focus on Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships includes creative and enriching experiences that are essential to a comprehensive curriculum. Angevine is unique in that we offer a pre-engineering program, which feeds into the Centaurus High School engineering track, an awardwinning visual and musical arts program, and new technology built into every classroom to foster the success of the 21st-century learner.

Address: 1150 S. Boulder Road, Lafayette, CO 80026 Phone: 720-561-7100 Website:anm.bvsd.org Principal: Mike Medina Enrollment: 658 Daily Schedule:8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Boulder Universal Boulder Universal has two school options.

BU and BU Link. Boulder Universal: BU Middle School is an online public school serving BVSD and other Colorado students in grades 6-8. Courses are taught and created in an asynchronous format by BVSD teachers using content and curriculum aligned to state and district standards. Students engage and interact with their actual teacher and SCHOOL CHOICE

ration with students, families, and the community to support social-emotional, physical, and academic growth.

Boulder Valley School District classmates from across the country in an asynchronous online setting, allowing students to learn at any time and place.

Since all teachers are BVSD teachers, class size ratio is equivalent to all BVSD schools. Boulder Universal also has an in-person learning lab staffed with your teachers for students to get one-onone support. Tuition is free for students enrolled in BVSD. Boulder Universal Link: BU LInk Middle School is an online public school serving BVSD K-5 students. Courses are taught in a synchronous format by BVSD teachers using BVSD curriculum and standards.

Classes meet dailying in a virtual classroom setting. All teachers are BVSD teachers and class size ratio is similar to other BVSD schools. BU Link Middle School has daily opportunities built within the schedule to meet with teachers in a small group or 1:1 basis to get extra help or support. Tuition is free for students enrolled in BVSD. Address: 6600 E. Arapahoe Road, Boulder, CO 80303 Phone: 720-561-5500 Website: boulderuniversal.org Principal: Eric Moroye Middle School Enrollment: 78 (BU) and 70 (Link)

Broomfield Heights

are preparing students for their bright and dynamic futures.

At Broomfield Heights, a proud neighborhood middle school, we embrace and support our richly diverse community by providing a safe, welcoming, and highlevel learning environment for all of our students. Our programming is designed to meet the academic, creative, and emotional needs of each student. At BHMS, we are part of the greater community of Broomfield, and we continue to build on our tradition of excellence. Our students engage in a wide range of exploratory choices and extracurricular activities to supplement high-quality instruction and an overarching focus on the whole child.

School-wide positive behavior support, empowering students to be leaders, and providing a supportive network for each child are points of pride at BHMS. With the integration of technology and 21stcentury skills into our programming, we

Address: 1555 Daphne St., Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone: 720-561-8400 Website: bhm.bvsd.org Principal: Erin Hinkle Enrollment: 515 Daily Schedule: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Casey

Casey Middle School is a dynamic learning community of students, parents, and faculty from an array of cultures. Casey promises both challenging academics and a socially and emotionally nurturing environment that values the unique-

Fall Open Houses November 3rd 9:30 am December 1st 9:30 am

Holy Family High School

www.holyfamilyhs.com 303-410-1411

November 2021

19 19

Average Average Class Size Class Size

11:1 11:1

Student Student toto Faculty Faculty

85 85% %

Faculty with Faculty with Advanced Advanced Degrees Degrees

20 20

Athletic Athletic Programs Programs

85 99% %

Faculty with Class of 2021 Advanced2 or 4 attending Degrees year college

46 46

Honors & Honors & APPrograms Courses AP

5

Arts Programs

www.bixbyschool.org Can't make the open house?

Call Today! admissions@bixbyschool.org 303.494.7508 ext.6 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 35

Boulder Valley School District

Centennial

Home of the Cyclones, Centennial Middle School is a place where “everyone belongs.” The school community provides a rigorous academic program grounded in a caring and nurturing environment in your neighborhood school! A high degree of personalized attention is given through an engaging curriculum, a wide variety of course offerings, and an interesting array of after school and during school clubs and activities. At Centennial, students have a wide range of learning opportunities that support and nurture our diverse community. We utilize a variety of instructional practices within all of our courses. Our students grow and value our R2ISE expectations which create an atmosphere of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Safety, and Empathy. Our welcoming school is thoughtful about ensuring that our diverse parent community feels welcome at our many school-wide events and as a part of our PTO and other committee structures.

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RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

Address: 2205 Norwood Ave., Boulder, CO 80304 Phone: 720-561-5441 Website: cem.bvsd.org Principal: John McCluskey Enrollment:596 Daily Schedule: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Louisville Middle School sets high academic and community standards for every student, following the core belief that everyone should have the opportunity to be challenged and grow with the support they need to thrive. We are the school on Main St, and we thrive as members of the greater community. A priority is placed on a balance of exceptional academic courses with robust electives and an exemplary fine arts program. We have a focus on social-emotional learning that prepares students to be stewards of the community. Students’ families partner with staff to ensure a caring, engaging, and inclusive school culture where everyone is welcome. Students revel in this strong sense of community as they strive to achieve ambitious learning goals, explore their creative and artistic potential, and challenge themselves to develop positive habits for life. Positivity, Respect, Integrity, Determination, Empathy are our values, and these are infused into everything we do to create “The LMS Way” which is our lens on life that stays with our students as they move to their next great adventure.

Address: 1341 Main St., Louisville, CO 80027 Phone: 720-561-7400 Website: lom.bvsd.org Principal: Chris Meyer Enrollment: 590 Daily Schedule: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Manhattan School of Arts and Academics

Manhattan Middle School has an academically rigorous and caring, student-

centered learning environment. While Manhattan is a neighborhood school, it is also an arts focus school that offers in-depth study of various art forms for students who wish to focus on a specific arts discipline and a Spanish Dual Language Program designed for students continuing elementary bilingual education. Manhattan also offers a traditional middle school program with a variety of electives in the arts, world languages, and technology, as well as accelerated math classes and Gifted and Talented programming. In addition, Manhattan offers the same extracurricular sports as all BVSD middle schools, as well as many beforeand after-school clubs. Clubs change each year. Here are a few active Manhattan clubs: Jazz Band, Art Club, theater productions and Junior Thespians, Math Counts, multicultural groups, and Allies, an anti-bullying group that celebrates differences.

Address: 290 Manhattan Drive, Boulder, CO 80303 Phone: 720-561-6300 Website: mam.bvsd.org Principal: John Riggs Enrollment: 429 Daily Schedule: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Nevin Platt

Nevin Platt Middle School is a community school serving students in grades 6-8 in Boulder, Colorado. Students thrive in a safe, academic and social environment, where teachers and staff are committed to each student’s intellectual, physical and emotional needs. Our programming focuses on academic rigor, encourages exploration and experiential learning opportunities, encourages students to demonstrate mastery through project based learning, promotes technological expertise, and supports community building in a safe environment. Platt is also home to the CHOICE Program. CHOICE is an acronym that stands for “Cooperative Hands-On Integrated Community Education.” Students in the CHOICE Program attend mixed-grade-level classes and stay with the same team of teachers for SCHOOL CHOICE

Address: 1301 High St., Boulder, CO 80304 Phone: 720-561-2700 Website: cam.bvsd.org Principal: Gabriela Renteria Enrollment: 499 Daily Schedule: 8:40 a.m. - 3:40 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:40 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

Louisville

ness of each student. Key features of our program include: Our highly ranked math program that provides students with appropriate levels of challenge to ensure high levels of growth; A continuum of English classes, ensuring all students are supported and challenged; Our bilingual program that offers classes in Spanish language arts, reading and social studies; and An award-winning arts program.

Boulder Valley School District

Address: 6096 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO 80303 Phone: 720-561-5536 Website: npm.bvsd.org Principal: Brooke Daerr Enrollment: 455 Daily Schedule: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Southern Hills

Southern Hills is a John J. Irwin School of Excellence Award-winning neighborhood middle school in south Boulder. Southern Hills offers personal attention and a closely knit community based on the PRIDE Cougar Values of Participation, Responsibility, Integrity, Determination, and Empathy. Southern Hills offers accelerated classes in mathematics, language arts, and foreign language along with a wide array of electives. With strong programs for talented/gifted and special education, Southern Hills prides itself on meeting the varying needs of students. There are also many opportunities for students to explore their interests through a variety of student activities, clubs, and athletics.

November 2021

Address: 1500 Knox Drive, Boulder, CO 80303 Phone: 720-561-3400 Website: shm.bvsd.org Principal: John White Enrollment: 482 Daily Schedule: 8:20 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:20 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

Summit

Summit Middle School, a four-time Blue Ribbon Award winner, was founded in 1996 as the first charter school in BVSD. Summit values scholarship, providing a rigorous academic curriculum within a caring community that supports student development and instills a lifelong love of learning. Summit is selected by families seeking challenging academics and thorough high school preparation.

Summit requires English, science, math, social studies, and world language daily, along with a variety of elective classes.

Summit’s culture encourages character, creativity, and scholarship. Summit is a diverse and safe community where students are nurtured and challenged.

Address: 4655 Hanover Ave., Boulder, CO 80305 Phone: 720-561-3900 Website: sum.bvsd.org Principal: Adam Galvin Enrollment: 356 Daily Schedule: 8:00 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.

MIDDLE-SENIOR SCHOOLS Nederland

Nederland Middle-Senior High School (NMSHS) is located in the mountains West of the City of Boulder, at approximately 8,400 feet in elevation. The school boasts the most beautiful mountain and wildlife views, great opportunities for mountain biking and hiking, and the best exploratory model of education anywhere. Our dynamic teaching staff offers robust Advanced Placement (AP) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming to our 225 6th-12th grade students. Our philosophy is connecting curriculum to the outdoors, career oppor

all three years of middle school. CHOICE students are out of the building approximately 25 days a year experiencing community based learning opportunities.

Students may apply for this three-year program only through the open-enrollment process.

tunities, and college. Our CTE Pathways include Outdoor Recreation Leadership, Resource Conservation & Environmental Science, Construction, Engineering & Architecture, Computer Science, and Business/Entrepreneurship. Students also have many extra-curricular opportunities at Nederland Middle Senior High School.

From our athletic programs (including skiing and mountain biking) to awardwinning music and theatre programs, fine arts, and clubs, there’s something for every student.

Address: 597 County Road 130, Nederland, CO 80466 Phone: 720-561-4900 Website: neh.bvsd.org Principal: Mark Sibley Enrollment: 225 Daily Schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOLS Arapahoe Ridge

Arapahoe Ridge High School is an alternative education campus (AEC) that helps students build resiliency by offering a safe environment and opportunities for positive connections and success.

ARHS is a small setting with standards based grading. As an alternative high school, we provide students and families with flexible schedules that accommodate different styles of learning. Transportation to our campus is offered via buses that are available from all the sending home high schools within our district.

Our students have the opportunity and advantage to access the Boulder TEC programs that are located on our campus In addition, there are opportunities for concurrent enrollment with Front Range Community College while still in high school, and the cost is covered by BVSD. Address: 6600 E. Arapahoe Rd. Boulder, CO 80303 Phone:720-561-5220 Principal: Dr. Joan Bludorn Enrollment: 135 Daily Schedule:9:05 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 10:05 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.

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Boulder Valley School District

Address: 1604 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO 80302 Phone: 720-561-2200 Website: boh.bvsd.org Principal: Dr. James Hill Enrollment: 2136 Daily Schedule: 8:35 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:35 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Boulder Preparatory High School

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RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

Boulder Preparatory High School is a college-preparatory program serving students who are looking for a smallschool setting that provides individualized attention. The charter school offers rigorous academics through a unique and diverse curriculum. The academic pro-

Address: 5075 Chaparral Court, Boulder, CO 80301 Phone: 303-545-6186 Website: boulderprep.org Principal: Lili Adeli Enrollment: 107 Daily Schedule: Call for details

Boulder Technical Education Center

Boulder TEC empowers students through rigorous academic, professional, and technical skills as preparation for any postgraduate pathway they choose to pursue. All of the programs are focused on providing students with a wide range of highly relevant experiences through the use of industry standard equipment and an extensive network of business partnerships. Programs offer community college concurrent enrollment credit, the opportunity to earn professional licenses or certificates, as well as integrated core academic credit that counts toward high school graduation. Specific programs include Automotive Collision Repair, Automotive Service Technology, Biomedical Science, Construction Trades, Cosmetology, Emergency Medical Response, Forensics Investigation & Criminology, Sports Medicine, Video Production, and Welding.

Students from all BVSD high schools are eligible to attend as part of their 11th and 12th-grade years.

Address: 6600 E. Arapahoe Road, Boulder, CO 80303 Phone: 720-561-5225 Website: bouldertec.org Boulder TEC Director: Dr. Arlie Huffman Enrollment: 325 Daily Schedule: AM Session: 9:00 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 10:00 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. PM Session: 12:45 p.m. to 3:25 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 1:45 p.m. to 3:25 p.m.

Boulder Universal BU High School is an online public school serving BVSD and other Colorado students in grades 9-12. Courses are taught and created in an asynchronous format

by BVSD teachers using content and

curriculum aligned to state and district standards. The flexibility of an asynchronous learning environment allows students to pursue personal passions and learn highly independent learning skills. Students engage and interact with their actual teacher and classmates from across the country in an asynchronous online setting, allowing students to learn at any time and place. Since all teachers are BVSD teachers, class size ratio is equivalent to all BVSD schools. Boulder Universal also has an in-person learning lab staffed with your teachers for students to get one-on-one support. Tuition is free for students enrolled in BVSD Address: 6600 E. Arapahoe Road, Boulder, CO 80303 Phone: 720-561-5500 Website: boulderuniversal.org Principal: Eric Moroye High School Enrollment: 209

Broomfield

Broomfield High School is the center of our community. We offer a comprehensive program of study designed to meet the various academic needs and interests of our students. Courses offered include AP courses in many disciplines, fine arts, and vocational courses. We have fully implemented the BVSD 1:Web Initiative for all students, supporting them in a variety of ways with technology. Students receive a Chromebook to be used throughout their high school career. Our Eagles are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities including athletics, theater, music, and clubs. We work together to make our school one in which all students can succeed and accept new challenges.

Address: 1 Eagle Way, Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone: 720-561-8100 Website: brh.bvsd.org Principal: Ginger Ramsey Enrollment: 1609 Daily Schedule: 8:35 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:35 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

SCHOOL CHOICE

Founded in 1875 as part of the University of Colorado, Boulder High is the oldest established high school in Colorado.

Students regularly access University of Colorado classes and libraries, the Conference on World Affairs, and cultural community activities from our urban setting. Boulder High is an Advanced Placement focus school, with one of the most comprehensive programs in the state, offering 30 Advanced Placement courses. Its AVID program creates an environment where all students are afforded the opportunity to succeed. The visual and performing arts departments have an excellent reputation and produce cutting edge performances and work.

The pottery, photography, and video production studios and Millennium lab are state of the art. Boulder High has one of the district’s largest English Language Development programs, serving students from 30 countries. It also offers five world languages: Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Latin.

gram is complemented with a weekly Life Skills program to prepare students for adulthood and their social responsibilities in the world community. We will not give up on students even when they give up on themselves. All graduates must be accepted to college before they can receive their diplomas. Over the years, Boulder Prep has provided the academic and social opportunities needed to transform youth-at-risk into college bound youthof-promise.

Boulder

Boulder Valley School District Centaurus

Centaurus High School is a college-preparatory high school with an award-winning Engineering Academy and International Baccalaureate Diploma program. Our Advanced Placement courses, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), fine arts, International Baccalaureate, Engineering Academy and exceptional extra-curricular programs ensure that each of our students is prepared for the most rigorous academic majors at the university level. Graduates from these programs have been accepted to nationally ranked schools to further their studies in a variety of fields, including engineering, pre-law, pre-medical, international policy studies, journalism, and art. Centaurus’s size allows students to participate more fully in their high school experience, garner more personal assistance, and build lasting relationships with both peers and faculty.

Address: 10300 South Boulder Road, Lafayette, CO 80026 Phone: 720-561-7500 Website: ceh.bvsd.org Principal: Daniel Ryan Enrollment: 1600 Daily Schedule: 8:35 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:35 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Fairview

to encourage each and every student to challenge themselves academically, athletically, or artistically to develop new skills, stretch their abilities and prepare for their post-secondary pursuits.

Address: 1515 Greenbriar Blvd., Boulder, CO 80305 Phone: 720-561-3100 Website: fairviewhs.org Principal: Terry Gillach Enrollment: 1972 Daily Schedule: 8:35 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:35 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Justice

Justice High is a charter school for at-risk youth in the Boulder Valley and St. Vrain Valley communities. It is a pre-collegiate academic program, requiring all graduates to have taken and passed two college-level courses and be accepted into a minimum of three colleges. All students are required to participate in extracurricular activities and work in their community.

Justice High School also offers students some vocational courses and opportunities to complete their GED or HiSET. Address: 805 Excalibur St., Lafayette, CO 80026 Phone: 720-277-6480 Website: justicehigh.org Principal: T.J. Cole Enrollment: 81 Daily Schedule: Call for details

Monarch

Our Vision: Monarch High School prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world. Monarch is an award winning comprehensive college and career preparatory high school with a four-year graduation rate of over 96 percent. It offers a vast array of Advanced Placement courses.

November 2021

Fairview is an outstanding comprehensive high school with a tradition of rich and rigorous academics, including a strong college prep program, International Baccalaureate Diploma program, and vast array of Advanced Placement classes — all designed to meet the diverse needs of individual learners. In addition to being one of the top academic schools in Colorado, Fairview has a highly competitive sports program and nationally recognized fine arts program. It is the goal of Fairview

Many Monarch courses are tied to concurrent enrollment opportunities through CU Succeed, Metro State University, and Front Range Community College. Monarch also encourages students to become involved in our highly competitive athletic programs, robust and successful music programs (band, choir, orchestra), broad fine arts course offerings, dynamic drama/theatre program, and over 60 clubs. Monarch’s Career and Technical Education programs -- which include Culinary Arts, Computer Science, Business, Aviation & Aeronautics, and Engineering (award-winning Robotics program, preengineering, 3D Design, and Industrial Design) -- are all designed to meet the diverse needs of individual learners, while ensure all student interests are fostered and celebrated.

Address: 329 Campus Drive, Louisville, CO 80027 Phone: 720-561-4200 Website: moh.bvsd.org Principal: Neil Anderson Enrollment: 1514 Daily Schedule: 8:35 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.; Wednesday Late Start: 9:35 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

New Vista

New Vista actively engages every student in rigorous learning. Our program includes: high academic and behavioral expectations for all students; personal relationships built on mutual respect with all adults in the building; an adviser who supports each student from enrollment through graduation; choices that allow students to shape the educational program to meet their needs and interests; active learning within all classrooms as well as varied and engaging course offerings; and significant opportunities to learn in the community. Finally, New Vista has a school culture that values individuals, community, and learning with an explicit emphasis on understanding and valuing diversity.

Address: 700 20th St., Boulder, CO 80302 Phone: 720-561-8700 Website: nvh.bvsd.org Principal: Sennen Knauer Enrollment: 287 Daily Schedule: 8:45 a.m. to 4:05 p.m.

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St. Vrain Valley School District FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT | ST. VRAIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

D

ear St. Vrain Valley Schools Community, Thank you for your unwavering support of St. Vrain Valley Schools. Your outstanding dedication to the well-being and success of our students, teachers, staff, and schools is a testament to our incredible community. Among our many high-quality programs, we are very proud of the outstanding portfolio of instructional options available across all of our schools.

Choosing a school for your student is an important personal step in charting their future path. Toward this end, St. Vrain offers a diverse and extensive selection of rigorous academic and cocurricular programs that provide you and your student choice in selecting a school that best aligns with their interests and educational goals.

In addition to our high-quality, rigorous preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and fully online LaunchED program, our many high school options include instructional focus academies in aerospace and engineering, energy, biomedical sciences, business, medical and biosciences, leadership, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and visual and performing arts. Other excellent programs across St. Vrain includes honors courses, Advanced Placement and AP Capstone courses, International Baccalaureate, CU Succeed Gold and Silver Dual Enrollment Programs, P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School), P-TEACH (Pathways to Teaching), Seal of Biliteracy,

Don Haddad, Superintendent St. Vrain Virtual High School, the Innovation Center, and the Career Elevation and Technology Center.

Successful completion of many of these programs can result in a full year or more of transferable college credit prior to graduation. The Class of 2021 enrolled in a record number of Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate courses, and concurrent enrollment college courses, giving them the opportunity to start their postsecondary education with approximately 32,000 college credits on their transcripts, potentially saving their families over $8.1 million in tuition costs.

Students who take courses at the Innovation Center and Career Elevation and Technology Center can focus on advanced learning and workforce readiness skills in some of the fastest

growing industries, including: advanced manufacturing, aeronautics, agricultural sciences, artificial intelligence, automotive technology, bioscience, culinary arts, cybersecurity, electronics, entrepreneurship, healthcare, information and communications technology, interactive media, machining, optics, robotics, and welding and fabrication technology.

Student engagement is an important part of any comprehensive educational experience. Accordingly, St. Vrain offers a robust selection of co-curricular activities and enrichment options in every school throughout our district. Students are encouraged to participate in the arts, music programs, debate, theater, student government, athletics, and many other high-quality activities that further support the development of wellrounded citizens who embody teamwork, leadership, and strong character. St. Vrain Valley Schools’ college preparatory and high-quality instructional focus programs – delivered in partnership with rigorous courses and engaging activities – ensure that our students experience a worldclass education.

Thank you for your outstanding support in championing the growth and development of St. Vrain Valley Schools into a nationally recognized center of excellence for student engagement and 21st-century learning.

Sincerely, Don Haddad, Ed.D. Superintendent St. Vrain Valley School District

Support Local.

There are many ways to strengthen our community, and one easy way is by supporting local. Whether it’s a restaurant, boutique, home and garden store, apparel or shoes, auto dealer or other service provider, supporting local has many benefits, and building a stronger community is only one of them.

Our local businesses give our community character, create vibrancy and bring us unique experiences.

WE INVITE YOU TO THINK, SUPPORT AND BUY LOCAL. START BY SUPPORTING THE LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISING IN YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPERS!

SCHOOL CHOICE

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St. Vrain Valley School District PRESCHOOLS Spark! Discovery Preschool

Website: sdpk.svvsd.org Principal: Paige Gordon Enrollment: 183 Daily Schedule: AM Session: 8:30 to 11:10 a.m., PM Session: 12:25 to 3:05 p.m., Full Day Session: 8:30 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 45.36; Free/reduced, 24.16 Average student-adult ratio: 8/1

Spark! Discovery Preschool offers fulltime and part-time preschool for children ages 3-5 and full-day childcare options for students in Firestone, Frederick, and Dacono. Spark! engages students in early learning experiences, in partnership with families and the community, that develop a strong foundation, enrich the whole child, and inspire lifelong learning. Staff develop positive and caring relationships with each family, and are committed to inspiring creativity, innovation, problem solving, and discovery. As a STEM preschool, instruction focuses on integrated units of inquiry, the designthinking process, and an emphasis on 21st-century learning, as well as the integration of language, literacy, and mathematics.

Address: 555 8th St., Frederick, CO 80530 Phone: 720-652-7906

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Alpine Alpine Elementary Alpine Elementary is proud to be an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School integrating science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) practices. The IB Programme engages students in rigorous inquiry to study topics that are of importance to the world in which we live, and expands students’ global understanding through Spanish language instruction. STEM incorporates the use of

a design-thinking process and technology to foster innovation and problem solving.

Alpine provides childcare and enrichment opportunities such as a world-class robotics program, 100 Mile Club, and Allegria choir.

Address: 2005 Alpine St., Longmont, CO 80504 Phone: 720-652-8140 Website: aes.svvsd.org Principal: Amber Marsolek Enrollment: 398 Daily schedule: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 50.13; Free/reduced, 47.37 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Black Rock Black Rock Elementary focuses on individual student needs while implementing all school cluster grouping and flexible grouping to ensure academic excellence. Black Rock features gifted and talented programming as well as foreign language studies in Spanish. Black Rock’s

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RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 41

St. Vrain Valley School District

Blue Mountain Blue Mountain is committed to working in partnership with the community and parents to create an exemplary school – one that is the center of our neighborhood, and a shining star in our district. Blue Mountain provides a rigorous educational experience, enhanced by the instructional focus of science, technology, and inquiry; a program founded on current research and best practices of teaching. This focus allows students to have extended learning in math, design, and science, while utilizing extensive instructional technology on a daily basis.

Address: 1260 Mountain Dr., Longmont, CO 80503 Phone: 720-652-8220 Website: bmes.svvsd.org Principal: Stephen Hoel Enrollment: 555 Daily schedule: 9:00 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 23.96; Free/reduced lunch, 8.62 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Burlington Burlington Elementary students are strong community members and high achievers.

Teachers and staff work to recognize students’ individual needs, yet help them connect with their world outside of school. In September 2014 and again in RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

42

Address: 1051 S. Pratt Parkway, Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-776-8861 Website: bes.svvsd.org Principal: Jennifer Webster Enrollment: 349 Daily schedule: 8:25 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 49.28; Free/reduced, 53.7 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Centennial Centennial Elementary’s vision is to provide a safe, consistent, and engaging environment so students transition from elementary school as confident, compassionate, and capable lifelong learners. Centennial is committed to creating clear and focused academic goals that set high expectations for all students. With the school’s focus on innovation, students learn to empathize, define, and ideate new ways to solve problems as they work collaboratively to prototype and test solutions.

Address: 10290 Neighbors Pkwy., Firestone, CO 80504 Phone: 720-652-8240 Website: centenniales.svvsd.org Principal: Shirley Jirik Enrollment: 489 Daily schedule: 9:05 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 36.4; Free/reduced, 30.27 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Central Constructed in 1878, Central Elementary was the first school in Longmont, and in 1976 was designated a Longmont historic landmark. Central is an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB)

World School with a rigorous inquirybased curriculum. The school’s mission is to develop knowledgeable, caring, and open-minded individuals who will become contributing citizens in a global society. Central has a dedicated and caring staff, an active PTO that supports and enhances students’ learning experiences, and an involved community that takes pride in the school’s 142-year legacy of educational excellence.

Address: 1020 4th Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-776-3236 Website: centrales.svvsd.org Principal: LuAnn Tallman Enrollment: 307 Daily schedule: 8:25 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 26.71; Free/reduced, 26.24 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Columbine Columbine Elementary School is a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) focus, preschool through fifth grade neighborhood school.

Columbine incorporates technology and inquirybased design thinking into daily lessons.

Rigorous instruction supports student achievement in all subjects and prepares students for 21st-century learning. The Columbine staff fosters positive relationships with students and parents, which has developed a strong sense of community throughout the school. Columbine offers a variety of extracurricular activities that foster meaningful relationships, academic achievement, and individual pride for students.

Address: 111 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-776-2840 Web site: columbinees.svvsd.org Principal: Audrey Seybold Enrollment: 258 Daily schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 88.76; Free/reduced, 89.58 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

SCHOOL CHOICE

Address: 2000 Mountain View Blvd., Erie, CO 80516 Phone: 720-890-3995 Website: bres.svvsd.org Principal: Sherry Carter Enrollment: 555 Daily schedule: 9:05 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 23.24; Free/reduced lunch, 8.11 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

June 2017, Burlington was recognized by the Colorado Department of Education as one of five “high achieving” elementary schools. Burlington provides many opportunities to enhance the interests and talents of students. From robotics to musical theater to 100 Mile Club, students participate and excel in before- and after-school activities. The Burlington community takes pride in living our motto: “Blazing Trails and Inspiring Excellence.”

highly-qualified staff models strong collaboration, which promotes a safe and encouraging learning environment, and instills higher standards of academic rigor. The school boasts one of the most involved parent communities across St. Vrain Valley Schools, supporting the school through volunteering and relationship building.

St. Vrain Valley School District Eagle Crest Eagle Crest Elementary is a diverse and engaged learning community located in beautiful southwest Longmont.

Serving students in grades PreK-5, Eagle Crest is a leadership focus school in which all students work together to build a better world. The three pillars of leadership embedded throughout the curriculum are “Communicate, Create, and Inspire”. Students participate in service-learning to empower them to use their leadership skills in developmentally appropriate and impactful ways. The school also integrates a “looping” schedule, allowing students to stay with the same set of teachers in first and second grade, and again in grades three and four.

Address: 4444 Clover Basin Dr., Longmont, CO 80503 Phone: 303-485-6073 Website: eces.svvsd.org

Principal: Amanda Holden Enrollment: 486 Daily schedule: 8:40 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 36.63; Free/reduced, 37.2 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Erie Erie Elementary is a community that nurtures academic excellence and promotes lifelong learning through engaging STEMfocused instruction. Erie Elementary has been proudly serving the Erie community for over 50 years and as a STEM-focus school, encourages creative thinking, inquiry, and problem solving throughout the day. Teachers integrate the STEM concepts of science, technology, engineering, and math to ensure a rigorous experience for all students. Students can participate in a wide variety of before- and after-school activities including band, choir, running club, and drama club, as well as many PTCO sponsored events.

Address: 4137 E. County Line Rd., Erie, CO 80516 Phone: 303-828-3395 Website: ees.svvsd.org Principal: Lauren Eker Enrollment: 341 Daily schedule: 8:55 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 27.86; Free/reduced, 19.06 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Fall River Fall River’s motto is “The Courage to Be Outstanding!”

This drives the school’s mission to develop students’ curiosity, empathy, and leadership skills as independent critical thinkers. Fall River has an experienced and innovative staff that expertly integrates 21st-century skills and STEM into daily learning, while also ensuring students’ academic, emotional, social, artistic, and physical success. Every day,

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RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 43

St. Vrain Valley School District

Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Grand View “Together As One,” Grand View Elementary empowers all learners to grow as scholars, innovators, and leaders.

Grand View integrates innovation and design thinking into daily learning, while also ensuring students’ academic, emotional, social, artistic, and physical progress. Every day, students look forward to becoming problem finders and problem solvers who participate in engaging instruction, hands-on technology, creativity, and positive behavior support. Grand View offers robotics, choir, art club, student council, 100 Mile running club, and activities before-and after-school. Grand View is building a community in the school “As One.” Address: 6601 Aggregate Blvd. Frederick, CO 80516 Phone: 303-702-8000 Website: gves.svvsd.org Principal: Kirsten McNeill Enrollment: 385 Daily schedule: 9:00 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 37.66; Free/reduced, 24.71 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Highlands

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This new 70,000 square-foot elementary school features an architectural character honoring the history of the area which includes mining, agriculture, and the prairie landscape.

Hygiene Hygiene Elementary offers a science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) focus that provides high levels of engagement and inquirybased learning for students. Students are exposed to movement opportunities throughout the school day. The mission of Hygiene is to create strong partnerships with families and the community. Hygiene Elementary believes all children can learn with confidence and passion. Spanish, choir, robotics, coding, and 100 Mile Club are some of the before-school and afterschool activities available at the school.

Address: 11968 N. 75th St., Longmont, CO 80503 Phone: 720-652-8021 Website: hes.svvsd.org Principal: Renee Collier Enrollment: 311 Daily schedule: 9:10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 22.5; Free/reduced lunch, 20.42 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Indian Peaks Indian Peaks offers a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) focus that provides rigorous, engaging, and inquiry-based learning. Every student has access to an iPad. The school offers biliteracy support for K-3 students, full-day kindergarten classes,

and half-day preschool programs for three- and four-year olds. Indian Peaks boasts many before-school and afterschool programs, including robotics. Staff have high expectations of every child in order to increase student achievement.

Indian Peaks is an amazing place to learn.

Address: 1335 S. Judson St., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-772-7240 Website: ipes.svvsd.org Principal: Kathi Jo Walder Enrollment: 283 Daily schedule: 9:10 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 90.81; Free/reduced, 90.49 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Legacy Legacy Elementary develops students’ academic and social-emotional skills through connections to the local community. The school partners with parents, towns, and businesses to build relationships and create civic-minded students. Community engagement creates extensive volunteer opportunities, encourages local involvement by students, and provides a system that supports all children. Legacy focuses academic work around higher order thinking skills, teaching questioning strategies, and using thinking tools like Thinking Maps and Icons of Depth and Complexity to encourage student growth.

Legacy Elementary’s work supports its mission to “ensure that all students achieve high standards of learning, academic excellence, and reach their full potential.”

Address: 7701 Eagle Blvd., Frederick, CO 80504 Phone: 720-652-8160 Website: legacyes.svvsd.org Principal: Sean Corey Enrollment: 456 Daily schedule: 9:00 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 30.92; Free/reduced, 25.88 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Longmont Estates Longmont Estates Elementary creates an exemplary learning environment that fosters high academic achievement and student well-being.

SCHOOL CHOICE

Address: 1400 Deerwood Dr., Longmont, CO 80504 Phone: 720-652-7920 Website: fres.svvsd.org Principal: Quinn O’Keefe Enrollment: 488 Daily schedule: 8:55 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 30.94; Free/reduced, 26.84

Classroom extension rooms include large garage doors, green screen rooms, and operable partitions for flexibility. Our focus around design thinking promotes a culture of wonder, creativity, and innovation in all students. One of our conditions for learning is to develop, and value, ongoing partnerships between students, staff, parents, and the community.

Address: 475 Highlands Circle Erie, CO 80516 Phone: 303-702-8040 Website: hles.svvsd.org Principal: Ryan Ball Enrollment: 250 Daily schedule: 9:00-3:30 Student profile in percentages: Minority, 32.54; Free/reduced, 0.05 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

students look forward to rigorous and engaging instruction, hands-on integration of technology, artistic expression, movement breaks, and positive behavior support. Strong parent and community involvement is a huge component of yearly high performance.

St. Vrain Valley School District With the vision to provide a challenging learning environment in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), Longmont Estates helps every student maximize their potential through relevant and rigorous instruction. The school offers a vibrant core curriculum which is enhanced by design challenges, coding, Gifted and Talented enrichment, Movement Lab, physical activity in the classroom, and Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports.

Address: 1601 Northwestern Rd., Longmont, CO 80503 Phone: 720-652-8101 Website: lees.svvsd.org Principal: Traci Haley Enrollment: 302 Daily schedule: 8:25 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 26.16 Free/reduced, 35.56 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Lyons

Lyons Elementary offers preschool through fifth grade in a small-school atmosphere that enthusiastically supports its mission: “To educate all students to their highest potential by fostering a cooperative, creative, and community-based environment.” Strong community partnerships and support enhance student learning inside and outside the classroom. Through citizen science initiatives, students work side-byside with scientists to solve authentic problems. Through the development of leadership skills, students develop intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, problem-solving, and healthy risk-taking.

Principal: Andrew Moore Enrollment: 255 Daily schedule: 8:05 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority,14.12; Free/reduced, 20.89 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Mead Mead Elementary is a community of students, teachers, and parents committed to the development of the whole child through a belief in every child’s unlimited potential by focusing on high expectations, rigor, raising achievement, and developing character. Students have access to technology including iPads, Chromebooks, and laptops, which enhance classroom-learning objectives. As a movement school, students participate in twice-daily movement breaks to activate both sides of the brain, which help children re-energize and focus on learning.

Address: 520 Welker Ave., Mead, CO 80542 Phone: 970-535-4488 Website: mes.svvsd.org Principal: Betsy Ball Enrollment: 576 Daily schedule: 9:00 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 21.35; Free/reduced, 15.46 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Mountain View

Mountain View Elementary offers an integrated academic focus that provides opportunities to challenge students

Address: 338 High St., Lyons, CO 80540 Phone: 303-823-6915 Website: lyonses.svvsd.org

and build competencies to be successful in the 21st-century. Mountain View is a standards-based, balanced learning community in which each child will reach their academic, social, and emotional potential. Students in grades PK-4 benefit from rich opportunities to engage in the design-thinking process. Mountain View offers a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) based early childhood center where students are encouraged to accelerate their learning through both discovery and the design-thinking process. Wraparound childcare programming complements the school’s STEM preschool program.

Address: 1415 14th Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 720-652-8261 Website: mves.svvsd.org Principal: Jennifer Piccone Enrollment: 285 Daily schedule: 8:25 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 61.05; Free/reduced lunch, 73.73 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Niwot Niwot Elementary, located approximately one mile east of the historic town of Niwot, offers preschool through fifth grade with a focus on differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all students, no matter their interests or abilities. Niwot is proud of their academic excellence, innovative instruction, and strong parent and community involvement. The school’s mission is “to provide each student with a well-balanced and successful learning experience that promotes a lifelong enjoyment of learning, positive self-esteem, and an appreciation of respect and acceptance for all individuals.”

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RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 45

St. Vrain Valley School District

Northridge Elementary is a STEM-focused neighborhood school, offering biliteracy instruction, and serving students in grades PK-5.

The Northridge staff fosters positive relationships with students and parents, which has developed a strong sense of community throughout the school. At Northridge, we strive “to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of all students using rigorous and highquality instruction while embracing diversity and partnering with parents and the community.” Students and teachers engage in design thinking, social-emotional learning, healthy living activities, and targeted direct instruction to ensure growth and academic achievement.

Students have 1:1 access to iPads and Chromebooks to enhance learning.

Address: 1200 19th Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-772-3040 Website: northridgees.svvsd.org Principal: DeAnn Dykes Enrollment: 287 Daily schedule: 8:25 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 90.59; Free/reduced lunch, 84.86 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Prairie Ridge

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Prairie Ridge Elementary offers highly rigorous instruction, aligned with state standards and curriculum, and has a focus on the 4 Cs of 21st-century learning: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.

Instruction is supported by large uninterrupted blocks of class time, whole group, small group, and individualized instruc-

Address: 6632 St. Vrain Ranch Blvd., Firestone, CO 80504 Phone: 720-494-3641 Website: pres.svvsd.org Principal: Jill Lliteras Enrollment: 436 Daily schedule: 9:05 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 29.82; Free/reduced lunch, 28.4 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Red Hawk Red Hawk is built on the foundation of strong relationships and a focus on serving and supporting our team, students, and families. As a Professional Learning Community school with a movement focus, Red Hawk is dedicated to equipping all students to succeed through purposeful identification of academic standards, engaging lessons, and supporting the whole student with a personal health emphasis. The school’s effective teaching teams and student support staff pair research-based instructional practices with a “whatever it takes” mentality. Students participate in Full STEAMM Ahead Fridays and engage in specialized learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, math, and movement.

Address: 1500 Telleen Ave., Erie, CO 80516 Phone: 303-774-2700 Website: rhes.svvsd.org Principal: Tim Garcia Enrollment: 608 Daily schedule: 9:05 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 16.28; Free/reduced lunch, 8.59 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Rocky Mountain Rocky Mountain Elementary, a STEM-focused school, prepares students to be successful in the 21st

century. Rocky Mountain offers biliteracy programming, provides rigorous and engaging instruction, and delivers a wide range of learning opportunities. The staff at Rocky Mountain believes in fostering positive relationships with students and parents. Rocky Mountain offers a learning environment that continuously recognizes students for demonstrating positive behavior and encourages students to ‘Be Brave, Work Hard, and Have Fun!’ Address: 800 E. Fifth Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-772-6750 Website: rmes.svvsd.org Principal: James Garcia Enrollment: 365 Daily schedule: 8:55 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 93.15; Free/reduced lunch, 84.92 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

Sanborn Sanborn Elementary focuses on individual student growth.

The staff is dedicated to delivering high-quality educational opportunities for students in a positive and equitable learning environment. Sanborn instills a passion for lifelong learning, while also developing perseverance, empathy, and respect for all. Many Sanborn families live outside the school’s attendance area, yet choose to attend Sanborn because of the school’s approach to building relationships, learning, and student growth. Sanborn offers additional opportunities for students including Robotics, Student Council, 100 Mile Club, Drama Club, and Community School Programs. At Sanborn, we work collaboratively to ensure every student achieves academically, socially, and emotionally.

Address: 2235 Vivian St., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-772-3838 Website: sanbornes.svvsd.org Principal: Lori Peeples Enrollment: 309 Daily schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 40.45; Free/reduced, 55.67 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

SCHOOL CHOICE

Northridge

tion. Prairie Ridge plans learning to include reading and writing in every content, and believes this solidifies understanding and builds literate citizens.

Prairie Ridge ensures all needs are met through differentiated learning. Teachers work collaboratively to focus their instruction based on the strengths and next steps of their learners.

Address: 8778 Morton Rd., Niwot, CO 80503 Phone: 303-652-2828 Website: niwotes.svvsd.org Principal: Nancy Pitz Enrollment: 404 Daily schedule: 9:10 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 10.98; Free/reduced lunch, 9.79 Average student-teacher ratio: 24.5/1

St. Vrain Valley School District PK-8 SCHOOLS Aspen Ridge Preparatory School

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 18.46; Free/reduced, 8.09

Aspen Ridge Preparatory School is a small, bold, and caring PK-8 charter school within St. Vrain Valley Schools.

As a tuition-free school of choice, Aspen Ridge grows children socially, emotionally, and academically, teaches them to problem solve, and most importantly of all, develops them to be kind. Students are empowered to be a partner in their goal setting and are encouraged to do their best. Intervention and time for extension are built into the school day for all K-5 students, and middle school students can choose from more than 20 electives.

Flagstaff Academy

Address: 705 Austin Ave., Erie, CO 80516 Phone: 720-242-6225 Website: aspenridgeprepschool.org Principal, Charla Salmeron Enrollment: 482 Daily schedule: 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Discover

Average student to teacher ratio: 25/1

Flagstaff Academy, an award-winning preschool through eighth grade public charter school, is an academically rigorous school with a Core Knowledge foundation and a strong focus on science and technology. The school focuses on the individual learner, subject mastery grouping, progressive levels of difficulty, and ongoing assessment for advancement. Flagstaff offers inquiry-based science, robotics, computer programming, integrated technology, a greenhouse classroom, and the leading Restorative Practices program in the region, providing a strong focus on character development and ethical leadership.

Spanish is offered as a foreign language starting in third grade and the arts program includes music, band, and

art-integrating technology.

Address: 2040 Miller Dr., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-651-7900 Website: flagstaffacademy.org Principals: Wayne Granger (Executive Director), Katie Gustafson (Executive Principal), Gael Lester (Asst. Principal K-5), Kate Salgado (Asst. Principal 6-8) Enrollment: 806 Daily schedule: 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 30.65; Free/reduced lunch, 14.12 Average student-teacher ratio: 25/1

Firestone Charter Academy Firestone Charter Academy is a PK8, academically rigorous, tuition-free school in St. Vrain Valley Schools. As a liberal arts school, Firestone Charter teaches students to become true 21stcentury thinkers and innovators through communication, collaboration, global competency, and problem-solving.

Students master a well-rounded Classical Core Knowledge curriculum starting with the building blocks of knowledge in the Grammar years (PreK-4) through

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RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 47

St. Vrain Valley School District discovery and hands-on learning. They progress to analytical thinking in the Logic years (5-8) through scientific inquiry, Socratic Seminars, and debate.

Students are offered electives like Band, Drama, Fitness Design, and Programming.

These provide students the opportunity to specialize their learning.

Address: 5753 Twilight Ave., Firestone, CO 80504 Phone: 303-772-3711 Website: firestone-charter-academy.org Principal: Jessica Cervantes Enrollment: 617 Daily schedule: 8:10 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 26.09; Free/reduced lunch, 12.77 Average student-teacher ratio: 25/1

Soaring Heights Soaring Heights PK-8 provides strong learning opportunities through an engaging academic environment designed to focus on the whole child. The STEM focus, with an emphasis on neuroscience, prepares students to succeed in a rapidlychanging world. Students acquire the ability to think logically and critically, communicate effectively, give and receive feedback, and show empathy towards others. Soaring Heights PK-8 has naturally-lit classrooms, two makerspaces, a large media center, science labs, four music rooms, two gyms, a track, and a baseball field. Soaring Heights has developed partnerships with Anschutz Medical Center, Oceans First, BrainCo, and Sphero to connect students with field experts.

Address: 3280 County Rd. 5, Erie, CO 80516 Phone: 303-702-8020 Website: shpk8.svvsd.org Principal: Cyrus Weinberger Enrollment: 1,239 Daily schedule: 8:25 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 21.79; Free/reduced lunch, 6.40 Average student-teacher ratio: 25/1

St. Vrain Community Montessori School Established in 2009, St. Vrain Community Montessori School offers an authentic Montessori program 48

RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

in a tuition-free charter school for preschool through eighth grade. Students experience a child-centered, hands-on environment that educates the Whole Child in partnership with families. The school features Montessori-credentialed teachers, a meticulously prepared environment, three-year, mixed-age classrooms, daily uninterrupted work-cycles, and an atmosphere that encourages social interaction, peer teaching, and a deliberate, embedded peace curriculum to support emotional growth.

Address: 1055 Delaware Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-682-4339 Website: svcmontessori.org Principal: Katie Torres Enrollment: 249 Daily schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 15.26; Free/reduced lunch, 7.62 Average student-teacher ratio: 25/1

PK-8 SCHOOLS Timberline As an integrated STEM-focus school, Timberline PK-8 is proud to offer students an innovative and rigorous educational experience enhanced by opportunities to participate in two unique pathways of coursework supporting student success: Pathway to FalconTECH and Pathway to the Seal of Biliteracy. The PK-8 environment allows staff to build and maintain strong relationships with students and families in addition to providing smooth transitions from elementary to middle school. The structure of a PK-8 school enhances collaboration within and across grade levels as teachers are able to integrate curriculum, connecting learning across a wider range of disciplines and ages.

Address: 233 E. Mountain View Ave., Longmont, CO 80504 Phone: 303-772-7900 Website: tpk8.svvsd.org Principal: Kerin McClure Enrollment: 820 Daily schedule: 8:20 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 88.41; Free/reduced, 84.52 Average student-teacher ratio: 25/1

K-8 SCHOOLS Carbon Valley Academy Carbon Valley Academy (CVA) provides a Core Knowledge based curriculum, layered with STEAM elements, in a tuition-free charter school for students in grades K-8.

Highly qualified, innovative teachers ensure that students’ personal academic achievement is a priority. A variety of specialized classes, such as Modern Band, Music and Art Studies, Technology, Physical Education, Mixed Media Art, and Spanish enrich the educational experience at every grade level. CVA focuses on the whole child through a well-rounded character development program. The administrative team supports the school through its focus on community, communication, culture, and consistency.

Address: 4040 Coriolis Way, Frederick, CO 80504 Phone: 303-774-9555 Website: carbonvalleyacademy.org Administration: Janet Wyatt (Executive Director), Catherine Linhardt (Principal), Sara Asher (Dean of Community Relations) Enrollment: 193 Daily schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 39.9; Free/reduced lunch, 26.42 Average student-teacher ratio: 25/1

Thunder Valley Thunder Valley provides students with diverse learning experiences that focus on curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

Students are exposed to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) daily. The Thunder Valley community fosters respectful relationships built on trust, advances equity through systems and programs, cares for each other to promote belonging, and challenges each other to live up to high expectations of achievement. Students and staff help each other persevere and act with integrity so that everyone reaches their full potential. Thunder Valley believes in equity so that every person in the school community is respected, valued, and supported.

Address: 600 Fifth St., Frederick, CO SCHOOL CHOICE

St. Vrain Valley School District

Average student-teacher ratio: 25/1

PK-12 SCHOOLS Twin Peaks Charter Academy Twin Peaks Classical Academy (TPCA) provides an academically rigorous environment that encourages students to seek truth, beauty, and goodness while acquiring foundational skills and knowledge in a teacher-led classroom. This classical education is provided to any PK-12 family seeking a well-rounded education that prepares all students for the opportunity of acceptance into a four year university. We are the only Classical school in Longmont, offering a unique alternative choice for families. The heart of a Classical school is a comprehensive Latin mastery program, beginning in kindergarten. Core Knowledge provides our elementary and middle school’s foundational curriculum that supports our ideals.

Middle Schools Altona Altona Middle School provides an innovative and rigorous standards-based education for students while developing characteristics in each student to become future leaders.

Based on the school structure, students are allowed to excel at their own pace and explore a variety of interests in the comprehensive elective program. Altona has received numerous honors as a high achieving school, including six Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Awards, eleven John Irwin Awards of Excellence, the Colorado Middle School to Watch Award, and Best in the Nation for the Verizon App Challenge.

Address: 4600 Clover Basin Dr., Longmont, CO 80503 Phone: 720-494-3980 Website: ams.svvsd.org Principal: Jeremy LaCrosse Enrollment: 794 Daily schedule: 8:25 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 29.22; Free/reduced, 19.40 Average student-teacher ratio: 25.5/1

Coal Ridge ID GE M DLE SC RID

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Address: 340 S. Sunset St., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-772-7286 Website: twinpeakscharter.org Principals: Joseph Mehsling (Executive Director), Amber Coniff (Elementary Principal), Alycia Burns (Middle School Principal), and David Yu (High School Principal) Enrollment: 808 Daily schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 45.54; Free/reduced, 41.21 Average student-teacher ratio: Elementary School: 25/1 Middle School 25/1 High School 25/1

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80530 Phone: 303-833-2456 Website: tvk8.svvsd.org Principal: Catrina Estrada Enrollment: 782 Daily schedule: 8:20 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 63.68; Free/reduced, 64.19

Coal Ridge Middle School offers rigorous curriculum in all subjects including ad-

vanced-level classes in math and language arts. Coal Ridge’s goal is to provide all students the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of curriculum while stretching their learning to include real-world problem solving, and creative and entrepreneurial thinking. In addition to core area content, students choose from a wide variety of electives including art, physical education, technology, band, choir, orchestra, Spanish, and guitar. Coal Ridge strives to involve 100 percent of students in one or more after-school programs which include sports, music programming, and academic clubs.

Address: 6201 Booth Dr., Firestone, CO 80504 Phone: 303-833-4176 Website: crms.svvsd.org Principal: Liza Nybo Enrollment: 816 Daily schedule: 7:45 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 33.58; Free/reduced lunch, 31.25 Average student-teacher ratio: 25.5/1

Erie Middle

Erie Middle is a Pre-Advanced Placement focus school implementing rigorous instruction to prepare all students for the demands of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and college-level coursework. Rigorous instruction includes the integration of innovation and design thinking to push the limits of our students’ imaginations. Classrooms include solid instructional strategies such as project-based and blended learning to engage all students. Teachers provide leadership opportunities and connections within the community that are essential to foster citizenship. Students’ individual needs are met through additional exten-

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303-776-3254 1440 Collyer St. Longmont, CO 80501 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 49

Raised in the Rockies

A scientific approach to school success How a science/tech curriculum empowers kids in all subjects

SARAH HUBER RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

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technology ‘essentials’ as our bread and butter, because we love and are passionate about these things,” Gustafson said. To foster hands-on inquiry, Flagstaff students study flight by navigating drones through school hallways, and in food science, always a hit with middle schoolers, students evaluate why specific ingredients produce different chemical reactions.

All of this is to usher students from inquiry to critical thinking and creative problem-solving. According to the National Science Teaching Association, an education based on the scientific method – or on asking questions, hypothesizing, experimenting, analyzing results and reaching a conclusion – is proven to cultivate problem-solving skills in students from a young age. Moreover, when developed in a safe environment, students who learn to ask questions and think critically are more likely to feel comfortable “not knowing and taking risks,” Gustafson said. She added, “We have to take risks as scientists and as engineers and have to be ok with being wrong sometimes.”

A technology-driven curriculum likewise sets students up for success. “Seventeenplus years ago, our founding families (of Flagstaff) didn’t know what was coming

in terms of technology – smartphones, social media, careers, but they knew how to prepare students for the future.

We too are in an interesting place where we don’t know what careers or jobs will be available or obsolete, so we focus on helping our students to be investigators, not just digesters of knowledge.”

Gustafson noted that even if a student isn’t particularly interested in science or technology, an education steeped in how to think carefully and methodically will help students reach their goals. “It’s not only because of our science and technology focus, but it is true that our students are trained to meet the challenges of the future, whether that’s college or helping them figure out they love to take things apart and want to look into vocational school.”

Finally, as a public charter school, Flagstaff emphasizes that a science and technology-focused education can benefit anyone. “At home, parents can ask questions, like ‘Why are some of the leaves yellow but most are still green on the tree outside by the window? It starts with everyone getting this awesome experience of learning to inquire about the world around you and grow.”

SCHOOL CHOICE

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n elementary and middle school education that prioritizes science and technology offers much more than a solid understanding of photosynthesis, fluency with computer programming or the spark that launches a future astronaut into space. A sciencecelebrating curriculum sets all students up for success in high school and beyond by teaching the transferable skills of asking thoughtful questions, thinking critically and problem-solving creatively.

Katie Gustafson, executive principal at Flagstaff Academy in Longmont, refers to herself as a “lead learner” and models for students “how to learn by inquiry,” she said. At the St. Vrain Valley charter school specializing in science and technology, Gustafson and the Flagstaff teachers weave the scientific method into each course. A former middle school teacher and middle school principal at Flagstaff, Gustafson recalled, “Even in the social studies classroom, students are taught to use the scientific process to observe the world around us. We make identifications, create a hypothesis and test. This teaches students how to understand and process the world around them and to be wellrounded, successful, productive citizens of our community and world.”

At Flagstaff, the skill of asking questions is developed by wondering. Preschoolers are encouraged to explore through play, and Kindergarteners observe the stages of plant growth from the moment they plunge a handful of corn seeds into the dirt to the day they harvest to the popcorn party at the end of the school year. Elementary students rotate through the school’s indoor laboratories and outdoor natural classroom, complete with a geodesic dome greenhouse featuring an aquaponic system. Middle schoolers tend to fish and pollinator-friendly plants.

Classes frequently spill outside to study birds or classify insects. Field trips to nearby parks, zoos and nature spaces are the norm.

“We offer more than 30 different electives each year, with the science and

Raised in the Rockies

Moving toward independence: Transitioning to middle school DARREN THORNBERRY RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

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he leap to middle school can seem daunting to both students and parents. There may be apprehension about the workload and the ability to juggle school work with extracurricular activities. Here, two school administrators share wise thoughts with readers about how to navigate the changes.

HOW DO YOU ADDRESS THE INCREASED EXPECTATIONS IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSROOM? Jay Parker, Middle School Director, Dawson School: Middle School is best focused on a holistic approach to supporting children as they become young adults. Because academic expectations are rising during this important developmental time in the lives of children, we believe that a team caring adults who are both dedicated teachers and caring, compassionate role models are essential in any middle school program. Students in sixth grade also are transitioning from a homeroom model to a rotating schedule with mixed cohorts of students.

This additional freedom is important and continues to increase as they grow older; therefore, middle school students must be supported organizationally and emotionally as they grow to be more independent, responsible self-advocates.

Susan Boyle, Director of Admission, Boulder Country Day School: BCD scaffolds the transition to middle school and the growth through 6th - 8th grade.

Because they have a different teacher for each class, middle school requires more

transitions and solid executive functioning skills. BCD supports this change with a MIddle School 101 class that all 6th graders take. It introduces them to our culture, the International Baccalaureate Program, our 1:1 computer program, and reinforces executive functioning skills such as time management, project completion, organization, and study skills. This along with our Advisory program (10 students with one teacher every day) that supports the social emotional development and transition to middle school, ensures that the transition to middle school is balanced and supported.

DO YOU HAVE TIPS FOR ANXIOUS PARENTS WITH KIDS GOING INTO MIDDLE SCHOOL? JP: Beyond the academic expectations, social pressures and an increasing desire for independence is likely to add an element of healthy tension into the family and school dynamics. The ideal middle school environment for students is defined by increased expectations, grounded in an authentic culture of belonging and support. Whether in a classroom, on the soccer field, in the robotics arena, in the mountains, or performing on stage, students must feel known, cared for, and empowered. Parents play an important role in partnering with the school in support of their children. Beyond clear communication, parents can be most helpful by taking a step back, allowing their children to fail, picking them up in their disappointment, and encouraging them to grow stronger and find their voice.

SB: Students are individuals and some need more support and some need their

parents to stand back and let them lead. Great parent/guardian and school partnerships are essential during this transition as the individuality of each case should be honored. Generally middle school is a time where students pull away and handle many more of the school and friendship logistics on their own. But doing so skillfully and thoroughly takes practice and a great middle school will support the entire family in this process.

BCD offers a Parent Education Series that is open to the public and many of the workshops help parents with the challenges of parenting in the 21st century and in a pandemic.

DO PROGRAMS OR OPPORTUNITIES COME TO MIND THAT EXPAND KIDS’ HORIZONS OR HELP THEM TO THINK GLOBALLY AT MIDDLE SCHOOL AGE? JP: Our dedication to helping young people discover their purpose is readily apparent in our programs. We have an industry-leading experiential education program called Winterim that offers local, national, and international trips for our students to explore the world outside our walls, doing deep dives into concepts and cultures and truly gaining a global perspective.

SB: The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP) is offered at BCD and a few other middle schools in Boulder. The IB MYP encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world and aims to develop active learners and internationally minded young people who can empathize with others and pursue lives of purpose and meaning.

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RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 51

St. Vrain Valley School District

Longs Peak Longs Peak Middle School is a fifth through eighth grade, Pre-Advanced Placement school engaging students in College Board’s rigorous SpringBoard curriculum and focuses on the development of the whole child. Longs Peak is recognized as a College Board National Demonstration School, a Colorado Department of Education Center of Excellence Award Winner, and 2017-2023 National School to Watch. Longs Peak offers 16 elective choices and over 22 co-curricular activities and clubs in music, art, STEM, robotics, and computer science. Students engage in innovation and design thinking that prepare them for 21st-century careers. Students are “College Ready, Career Ready, and RAM READY.” Address: 1500 14th Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-776-5611 Website: lpms.svvsd.org Principal: Sandy Heiser Enrollment: 426 Daily schedule: 7:55 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 73.47; Free/reduced lunch, 82.63 Average student-teacher ratio: 25.5/1

Mead Mead Middle School has been recognized as a Colorado Middle School to Watch, a Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award winner, and a John Irwin School of Excellence award winner. Mead Middle is an academically rigorous, standards-based school with an EXCEL (Extra-Curricular Engagement and Learning) focus. The EXCEL program RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

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Address: 620 Welker Ave., Mead, CO 80542 Phone: 970-535-4446 Website: mms.svvsd.org Principal: Joshua Barnett Enrollment: 489 Daily schedule: 7:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 24.54; Free/reduced lunch, 17.38 Average student-teacher ratio: 25.5/1

Sunset Sunset Middle is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World Middle School and is committed to high-quality, challenging, international education using global contexts.

Sunset meets students’ needs through a differentiated approach to identify learning opportunities and individual pathways. All students enroll in the rigorous IB Middle Years Programme classes: Individuals and Society, Language and Literature, Science, Math, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Physical and Health Education, World Languages, and Design.

Students join together as a community through the 10 common Learning Profile Traits shared by IB Middle Schools around the world: Balanced, Reflective, Inquirer, Knowledgeable, Open-minded, Caring, Communicators, Risk Takers, Thinkers, and Principled.

Address: 1300 S. Sunset St., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-776-3963 Website: sms.svvsd.org Principal: Anthony Barela Enrollment: 430 Daily schedule: 7:35 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 56.51; Free/reduced lunch, 55.81 Average student-teacher ratio: 25.5/1

Trail Ridge Middle STEM integration into public education is rooted in the demands of the future workforce and the increasing importance of creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills. At Trail Ridge Middle School, our teachers gain the freedom and professional development necessary to integrate the STEM disciplines and the design-thinking model in a way that affords students access to real-world, authentic learning. This approach prepares students to solve social issues and become global citizens, preparing them to tackle the jobs and issues that await them upon college graduation.

Address: 1000 Button Rock Dr., Longmont, CO 80504 Phone: 720-494-3820 Website: trms.svvsd.org Principal: Eddie Cloke Enrollment: 609 Daily schedule: 7:45 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 68.64; Free/reduced lunch, 63.71 Average student-teacher ratio: 25.5/1

Westview Westview is a STEM focus school dedicated to teaching the whole child. Known for high achievement, Westview was recognized as a “School to Watch” in 2015 and 2019 and as an Apple Distinguished School in 2016. Westview is consistently designated as Performance by the Colorado Department of Education and has been awarded the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award. Students have the same core teachers throughout all three years.

The Robotics program is top in the state, consistently winning tournaments.

Students take a wide range of electives and participate in intramural sports, music, art, and gifted and talented programs.

Address: 1651 Airport Rd., Longmont, CO 80503 Phone: 303-772-3134 Website: wms.svvsd.org Principal: Mark Spencer Enrollment: 706 Daily schedule: 8:20 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 25.35; Free/reduced lunch, 27.2 Average student-teacher ratio: 25.5/1 SCHOOL CHOICE

Address: 650 Main St., Erie, CO 80516 Phone: 303-828-3391 Website: ems.svvsd.org Principal: Kim Watry Enrollment: 790 Daily schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 18.61; Free/reduced lunch, 11.39 Average student-teacher ratio: 25.5/1

extends student learning and their sense of belonging, improving academic focus.

Mead Middle’s goal is to involve all students in co-curricular or extra-curricular activities. Mead Middle offers a variety of electives and co-curriculars including STEM, CSI, robotics, NJHS, and art.

Students engage in the music program with classes in choir, band, and orchestra.

sions and interventions. Students are encouraged to participate in 30 plus co-curricular activities, athletics, and student-led clubs.

St. Vrain Valley School District MIDDLE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS Lyons Lyons Middle Senior High School is part of a strong PK-12 feeder system focused on community connections, academic excellence, and student engagement.

Innovative, inquirybased learning and leadership activities, as well as rigorous coursework, prepares students for college and career. Science and Leadership, a partnership program with Lyons Elementary, fosters leadership skills in high school students who facilitate science and leadership activities with younger students. The CSU Online program offers 15 transfer courses through concurrent enrollment. More than 88 percent of students participate in co-curricular activities or athletics.

Lyons boasts several state and individual athletic championships during the past several years.

Address: 100 McConnell Dr., Lyons, CO 80540 Phone: 303-823-6631 Website: lmshs.svvsd.org Principal: Andrea Smith Enrollment: 398 Daily schedule: 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 14.82; Free/reduced lunch, 16.08 Average student-teacher ratio: Middle School 25.5/1 High School 28/1

High Schools Erie Erie High is recognized

by U.S. News & World Report in its Best Schools in America profile. Erie High

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provides rigorous and enriching core subjects, electives, athletics, journalism, visual and performing arts, and leadership programs. Students receive state and national recognition, including Boettcher Scholarships and National Merit Scholarship finalists. Erie High offers three focus programs: College Board’s AP Capstone program, the Academy of Engineering and Aerospace, and the award-winning Erie Tiger Network. Students can earn college credits through individual AP classes, CU Succeed, and Front Range Community College. Erie’s athletic programs compete yearly for regional and state championships.

Address: 3180 County Rd. 5, Erie, CO 80516 Phone: 303-828-4213 Website: ehs.svvsd.org Principal: Matt Buchler Enrollment: 1,609 Daily schedule: 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 20.20; Free/reduced lunch, 9.07 Average student-teacher ratio: 28/1

Frederick

Frederick advances 21st-century learning through technology and student focused instruction with the support of dedicated teachers and staff.

Students can earn 58 college credits through CU Succeed, concurrent enrollment, and Advanced Placement classes.

Home to the Biomedical Sciences Academy, which partners with Colorado State University, FHS also houses the district’s second P-TECH program in which students earn an associate degree through AIMS Community College at no cost to the student. FHS offers 18 competitive varsity sports programs and 27 after-

school activities. Students also participate in state and nationally recognized art, music, and performing arts programs.

Address: 5690 Tipple Pkwy., Frederick, CO 80504 Phone: 303-833-3533 Website: fhs.svvsd.org Principal: Russell Fox Enrollment: 1,213 Daily schedule: 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 41.55; Free/reduced lunch, 31.82 Average student-teacher ratio: 28/1

Longmont Longmont High School offers 26 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including an AP Capstone Diploma. LHS has one of Colorado’s largest CU Succeed Gold programs, providing an official CU transcript. The unique and innovative Medical and BioScience Academy (MBSA) prepares students for competitive postsecondary education programs in medicine, research, and allied health sciences.

The High School of Business program partners with universities to prepare students for post-secondary business degrees. Both pathways culminate in a senior-year capstone/internship alongside our community partners. LHS has a tradition of excellence in athletics and visual/performing arts, consistently competing for league and state championships.

Address: 1040 Sunset St., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-776-6014 Website: lhs.svvsd.org Principal: Jeff McMurry Enrollment: 1,265

Recognized as a four-time Blue Ribbon award winner, Summit values scholarship by providing a rigorous curriculum and academic challenge in a caring community which supports student development and instills a lifelong love of learning.

Reservations are required for all Open Enrollment tours, dates & times can be found on the on the Summit website:

sum.bvsd.org La interpretación en español está disponible el: Jueves 18 de noviembre, 12:40 pm a 2:10 pm Jueves 2 de diciembre, de 8:15 a.m. a 9:45 a.m.

Solo en español: Martes 7 de diciembre de 8:15 a 9:45 am RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 53

Mead

Mead High, a rigorous high school, offers 21 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Students can earn the prestigious Capstone Diploma while earning college credit through a strong partnership with Front Range Community College and CU Denver. Home of Mead Energy Academy, students explore individual interests related to science, innovation, technology, and career opportunities in the energy industry. Mead was recognized as a 2019 Unified Champion National Banner School for being a beacon of change for inclusion. Mead has a strong presence across the state in varsity athletics, visual/ performing arts, and a student-led newspaper. Mead’s highly engaged faculty ensures student success.

Address: 12750 County Road 7, Longmont, CO 80504 Phone 720-494-3940 Website: mhs.svvsd.org Principal: Brian Young Enrollment: 1,086 Daily schedule: 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 27.72; Free/reduced lunch, 20.72 Average student-teacher ratio: 28/1

New Meridian High School New Meridian High School, St. Vrain’s alternative high school, offers a high school diploma aligned with district graduation requirements in a small, communityoriented environment. New Meridian students access rigorous coursework such as Advanced Placement Psychology, Pathways to Teaching (P-TEACH), and numerous career and technical education programs through the Career Elevation and Technology Center, which is located on the same campus. New Meridian High School places a strong emphasis on collaboration and enhancing student leadership skills in a nurturing and empowering environment. Through intentional scheduling and e-credit offerings, students can earn credits at an accelerated pace.

Address: 1200 S. Sunset St., Longmont, CO 80501 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

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Phone: 303-772-3333 Website: nmhs.svvsd.org Principal: ToniJo Niccoli Enrollment: 111 Daily schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 68.47; Free/reduced lunch, 63.06 Average student-teacher ratio: 15/1

Niwot

Niwot High School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, the most rigorous high school curriculum in the world.

Students can take Advanced Placement (AP), world languages, computer science, and performing and visual arts courses. The U.S. News & World Report and Washington Post rank NHS as a top high school, while Niche.com ranks NHS as #1 in the state for magnet schools, #7 for college readiness, and #11 overall. In 2021, students earned nearly $18 million in scholarships. NHS offers nearly 40 co-curriculars, while athletics have won 14 team state championships and 74 individual championships in the last seven years.

Address: 8989 E. Niwot Rd., Niwot, CO 80503 Phone: 303-652-2550 Website: nhs.svvsd.org Principal: Eric Rauschkolb Enrollment: 1,200 Daily schedule: 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 38.83; Free/reduced lunch, 27.50 Average student-teacher ratio: 28/1

Silver Creek U.S. News & World Report, Boulder Weekly, and Newsweek recognize Silver Creek as a top high school. The Silver Creek Leadership Academy is a four-year program emphasizing leadership through service and real-world experiences.

Students become mentors and engage in their communities. The RaptorTECH program partners with Front Range Community College, Cisco, Seagate, Comcast, and Peak Resources Inc,

Daily schedule: 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 43.32; Free/reduced lunch, 44.03 Average student-teacher ratio: 28/1

in the Rockies allowing students to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity at no cost to the student. SCHS offers 24 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. SCHS athletics have been highly ranked, won state championships, and garnered academic all-state team awards.

Address: 4901 Nelson Rd., Longmont, CO 80503 Phone: 720-494-3721 Website: schs.svvsd.org Principal: Erick Finnestead Enrollment: 1,301 Daily schedule: 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 26.06; Free/reduced lunch, 15.99 Average student-teacher ratio: 28/1

Skyline High Skyline High School is the flagship IBM P-TECH school in the western United States. In collaboration with IBM and Front Range Community College, students in FalconTECH graduate with a St. Vrain diploma and an Associate of Applied Science Degree at no cost. Skyline’s STEM Academy offers a variety of courses, including robotics, biomechanics, renewable energy, engineering, and computer science. Students can earn acceptance to CU Boulder’s College of Engineering and a STEM Certificate.

The Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VPA) offers classes in visual arts, music, drama, and dance. Students receive a VPA Certificate upon completion of a Capstone project.

Address: 600 E. Mountain View Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 720-494-3741 Website: shs.svvsd.org Principal: Heidi Ringer Enrollment: 1,520 Daily schedule: 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: Minority, 65.66; Free/reduced lunch, 55.59 Average student-teacher ratio: 28/1

SCHOOL CHOICE

St. Vrain Valley School District Raised

St. Vrain Valley School District St. Vrain Online Global Academy

St. Vrain Virtual High School St. Vrain Virtual High School offers a traditional St. Vrain high school diploma in a unique setting. The school offers a rigorous, complete high school curriculum, in a small, personalized environment. All core classes are available at the honors level and 15 Advanced Placement classes are offered.

All curriculum is approved by the NCAA and all Advanced Placement courses are approved by the College Board. Students achieve academic success using highquality instruction onsite, and curriculum provided by Florida Virtual School and eDynamic Learning, along with on-site staff who provide blended learning opportunities and one-on-one support.

Address: 1200 S. Sunset St., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 720-494-3975 Website: svvhs.svvsd.org Principal: Stacey Struessel Enrollment: 107 Daily schedule: N/A Student profile in percentages: Minority, 11.21; Free and reduced lunch, 19.63 Average student-teacher ratio: 28/1

APEX Homeschool Program APEX is a K-12 program that exists to supplement and complement the efforts of parents who have chosen to be their child’s primary educator. Our mission is to come alongside homeschooling parents and provide for homeschooled students the best of both worlds, bringing together the dynamic experience of a

public school classroom and the freedom of a homeschool education. Parents remain the primary instructional provider, with the school supplementing and complementing their efforts. Families participating in APEX receive instruction and most educational materials at no cost. Students who enroll in APEX are part-time public school students.

Address: 1351 S. Sunset St., Unit B, Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-702-8600 Website: apexhomeschool.org Principal: Kim Lancaster Enrollment: 786 Daily schedule: 8:30 am to 3:15 pm Student profile in percentages: Minority, 15.82; Free and reduced lunch, 7.27 Average student-teacher ratio: 12:1

SAVING MADE EASY!

St. Vrain LaunchED Virtual Academy LaunchED Virtual Academy offers a fully-accredited 100% online alternative for students in alignment with the mission of St. Vrain Valley Schools.

Curriculum is taught by licensed St. Vrain educators and delivered in an online environment that advances academic excellence through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities. All curriculum is approved by the NCAA and all Advanced Placement courses are approved by the College Board. The school offers flexibility for families as they partner with educators to support and foster student development and social-emotional well-being in a rigorous academic setting.

Address: 619 Bowen St., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-702-8800 Website: LaunchED.svvsd.org Director: Connie Syferd Enrollment: 600 Daily schedule: 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Student profile in percentages: N/A Average student-teacher ratio: N/A

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LIGHT

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Winner of the 2009, 2015 & 2021 National Blue Ribbon for Excellence High Peaks Elementary school is consistently one of the highest academic performing elementary schools in both the Boulder Valley School district and the state.

Address:

3995 Aurora Ave. Boulder CO 80303

Phone:

710-561-6500

November 2021

For more information or for a list of our virtual talks, check out the QR code or visit our website: https://hpe.bvsd.org/

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373 Main St., Longmont, CO • 303-776-2920 Monday-Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-5, Closed Sunday • brownsshoefitco.com facebook.com/brownsshoefit.longmont instagram.com/brownsshoefitlongmont

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Is a religious school right for your child?

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any Northern Colorado families have been looking at religious schools when making choices about their children’s education. Religious schools have a number of benefits that make them an attractive option – even for families that do not practice the same religion.

In many cases, religious schools have rigorous academic standards paired with a quality education at a more reasonable price than many secular private schools.

Like most schools, they offer sports and other extracurricular activities, engage in community service, and encourage high levels of parental involvement. In addition, religious schools often have favorable student-teacher ratios. They offer a sense of stability and opportunity for establishing long-term friendships as many schools serve children from the early grades to high school.

We reached out to some area schools to get their take on what your child can gain from receiving religious school education.

11 percent non-Catholic. 99 percent of the graduating class of 2021 went on to a two- or four-year college or university, and they received over $14 million in scholarships and awards.”

LONGMONT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Teaching grades from pre-K through high school, Longmont Christian School is a college-prep institution where they believe literacy begins in preschool, with an academically rigorous curriculum continuing through high school. Amanda Mason, Marketing Director, alumna and mother of a student at LCS, shared this with us: “I think parents would consider a Christian or religious education if they want more individualized attention from teachers and focus on their student’s development not only academically, but emotionally and spiritually, as well. At a religious school, character and integrity are often taught side-by-side with the curriculum, and students are expected to develop these traits alongside their academics. At a Christian school like

Longmont Chrisitan, students are taught Biblical values and respect for one another, and I feel like the whole student body benefits.

“Growing up in Longmont, I attended a public, charter, and private religious school – and of the three I felt the most ’at home’ at Longmont Christian School, where I felt teachers were concerned not just about what I learned, but also about who I was as a person.”

APPLE TREE CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN Some parents prefer to start with a younger-grade religious school and then decide on their children’s academic track a little later. Apple Tree Christian Preschool and Kindergarten (ATCPK) from Broomfield United Methodist Church is a non-profit Christian organization that offers early childhood programs for ages 2½ through Kindergarten. Their preschool program curriculum is developmentally age-appropriate and provides a balance of child-centered choices and teacher-guided experiences in a Christian environment.

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(Photo: Longmont Christian School).

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HOLY FAMILY HIGH SCHOOL Founded in 1922, Holy Family High School is a Catholic college preparatory, co-educational high school that serves students in grades 9 through 12. They offer a Catholic learning environment that stresses academic excellence, fosters mutual respect, demands responsibility, and encourages self-growth.

Principal Matt Hauptly notes, “We draw students from 35 communities along the front range. On a 52-acre campus that has been beautifully enhanced over the past decade, we offer a full athletics program, a performing and visual arts curriculum, and a rigorous academic program – all steeped in the Catholic faith.

“An investment in Catholic School education supports a student’s complete development and personal success. A rigorous, time-tested curriculum taught by committed faculty in a faith-based and nurturing environment results in measurably accomplished academic achievement.

“While Holy Family is a school grounded in its Catholic heritage, we warmly welcome students of all faiths.

Our student body is 89 percent Catholic,

Communications Coordinator Karen Smith of Broomfield United Methodist Church tells us: “A religious education helps children grow up feeling valued, worthy, and supported by God and a loving community. Students are grounded in a faith connection to develop healthy selfesteem, social relationships, and a safe place for academic development. Apple Tree served 78 students for in-person school in the 20/21 school year. Each student is valued as they receive personal and individual attention.”

Understanding that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on how young children socialize and experience school, Smith goes on to say, “In response to the pandemic, Apple Tree created a Parents Day Out (PDO) program to support families’ changing needs. PDO families can tailor design a program of flexible preschool with drop-in days allowing their student(s) to continue to receive social contact, academic and play activities, and exposure to a Christian program.”

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR FAMILY As you think about what sort of school would be best for your child, It’s essential

(Photo: Holy Family High School).

to consider what your priorities are for your child’s education. Are you looking for a small class size? Extracurricular activities? A broad selection of courses?

What characteristics do you or your child value most?

Ask for tours of schools you’re interested in and talk to teachers,

administrators, parents, and students to get a feel for the place. Don’t be afraid to ask questions should any arise. Each school will be different.

In the end, feel free to choose the institution that best represents your values and priorities.

303-776-7417 Longmont, Colorado LearningWithTLC.org

TLC Learning Center Nurturing success in ALL children since 1956.

November 2021

Year-round childcare & preschool for kids 8 weeks to 6 years Low adult-child ratios Inclusive classrooms for kids of all abilities Focus on cognitive, social-emotional & physical development Literacy-based curriculum YogaKids & Young Athletes Programs RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 57

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When moving homes means moving schools A Realtor can help parents find the best school for their family

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hile moving with kids might never be stress-free, a Realtor who knows the local schools can streamline the process and help solve parents’ number one question: What school in our new community is the best fit for my family?

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SCHEDULING A SCHOOL VISIT Once parents are interested in a district or a few specific schools, it’s time to tour. Metzger said, “With the pandemic, most schools have not allowed in-person visits other than regularly scheduled open house events during the standard open enrollment period. Those sessions would be key for newcomer parents to attend, especially if they are not yet living here and can arrange a trip to town.”

Check district and school websites for open house dates and virtual tours. If an in-person visit isn’t feasible, Metzger said, “At a minimum new families should

contact the individual school offices and ask to be connected with a representative of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) for first-hand information.”

Metzger said it may be helpful for outof-state parents to schedule two trips to their area of interest. “If you can afford the time and expense of a couple of house hunting trips, do one with the kids and one without,” she suggested. “As adults, you will need uninterrupted time to decipher the neighborhoods, meet with a Realtor, see homes to buy or rent and do other fact-finding.” A follow-up trip with the kids “can help them to develop a comfort level, so they can visualize where they are going before the actual move,” she said.

SETTLING IN AND GETTING CONNECTED Once the family has relocated, parents can support their children by sticking to a routine and making sure they feel safe, Wade said. She continued, “Talking openly about what changes lie ahead and letting them ask lots of questions will help.”

Finally, signing up for extracurricular activities, exploring the area as a family and seeking out volunteer opportunities are fun and positive ways to build community connections. Metzger said, “(Extracurriculars) help to shrink down what can be a large, overwhelming environment and gives them instant connections with other kids that share their interests.”

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RESEARCH KNOWLEDGEABLY Montgomery recommended narrowing the school search by researching districts and then schools online. Schoolview.org, from the Colorado Department of Education, provides a list and map of all Colorado schools along with loads of data, including testing scores and graduation, dropout, suspension and enrollment rates.

Niche.com, greatschools.org and schooldigger.com offer additional insights and reviews, as well as websitedesignated grades based on achievement markers, culture and diversity, parent surveys, health and safety factors and extracurriculars.

Besides for the above scores and ratings, many parents consider a school’s programs and services. Metzger is frequently asked about gifted and talented classes and resources for students with special needs. At the high school level, she said, “(Parents) want to know, ‘Does the school have a strong team and coaching staff for their child’s activity of interest?’”

For some families, neighborhood location and the ability to walk to school are high priorities, although Wade said a school’s reputation tends to rank most significant with parents.

REALTOR AS SCHOOL SEARCH MENTOR Cindy Montgomery, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker in Longmont, urged parents contemplating a move, whether across town or out-of-state, to “pick a Realtor in their area or city of choice.” She explained, “That Realtor will truly be your local expert on the community, schools, school programs (and) parks and rec.”

Pam Metzger, vice president of relocation and corporate services at WK Real Estate in Boulder, agreed, noting, “It helps if the Realtor has children that either currently attend or previously attended those schools or if they have other relevant knowledge, perhaps from friends, family or prior clients.”

Lisa Wade, a broker associate with the management team at RE/MAX of Boulder, added that many Realtors volunteer in education and purposefully follow the happenings of their local district. She said, “We have been through all of the changes and growth in our town and the Boulder Valley School District. We have raised our own families here, and so schools have been very important to us.”

Of course, since Realtors cannot be personally involved in every school in their corner of the market, a Realtor’s relocation department can be crucial.

For example, at WK Real Estate, the relocation department creates an annual in-house school guide and assists clients with customized research and school introductions.

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November 2021

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Raised in the Rockies

Dynamic, enriching & fun In-person after-school activities for kids in Boulder County and Northern Colorado 60

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BY KATIE FEINDEL RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

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(Photo: Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance).

(Photo: YMCA of Northern Colorado).

(Photo: Production Company Dance Centre).

Company Dance Centre in Longmont.

Owner and Artistic Director, Stephanie Odenbach founded the studio in 2012. She trained and worked as a massage therapist and was a competitive gymnast and dancer growing up and then she transitioned into teaching dance and has been a dance teacher since 2004. Stephanie offers many after school classes, “We start at age 2 and go to 18. We start at 4:15 p.m. and go until about 8:30 p.m. at night. We offer ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, acro and tumbling, and contemporary. We do a couple shows a year too, a holiday recital on stage locally and also a mid-June recital. We also have a local and national team that performs.”

To find out more, you can call or text Production Company Dance Centre at 303.682.8842 or go on their website at productioncompanydance.com.

Another great after school program in Northern Colorado is the YMCA of Northern Colorado. This organization offers after school care and program activities for kids ages Kindergarten

November 2021

y now we understand the isolation our kids have faced in the past two years because of the pandemic. Now kids are back in-seat at school, taking precautions, and as a result academic, social, and emotional performance and wellness have improved, not to mention that home life is more balanced and stable now. We are starting to normalize again.

Now is a perfect time to sign your kids up for many excellent & safe, in-person, after school programs and classes in the Boulder, Larmier & Weld county areas. Some top programs are ABC Kids Climbing, Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance, Production Company Dance Centre, and YMCA of Northern Colorado and.

ABC Kids Climbing is a great, engaging option for after school activities for any kid ages 4-1/2-18. This family-owned business was founded twenty years ago

by Robyn Erbesfield-Raboutou, a 4-time world champion climber. The Boulder location was opened almost ten years ago and has been impacting kids’ lives exponentially. “We have such a wonderful staff and community of clientele. We really feel they are the real key to providing enriching climbing experiences for children here on the Front Range…we have a full range of climbing options and our gym is designed specifically for kids and we’re really proud of that because we feel we provide a comfortable and safe place for kids to explore & thrive.” The classes run throughout the day and after school classes start as early as 1:30 p.m. and the peak hours are between 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The bulk of students are between ages 8-12 but ages 4-1/2-18 are welcome. If you’d like to sign your child up and learn more about ABC Kids Climbing, go to abckidsboulder.com. Register online starting Nov. 8, for a wide range of Winter classes or clubs at abckidsboulder.com/ classes-clubs. If a class is full or if you have questions, please email them at info@ abckidsclimbing.com. You can also call them at 303.443.5437.

Another amazing movement oriented after school program is at Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance in Boulder. The form of movement, referred to as “aerial dance” is unique and has a twist but is so fun and engaging, your kids will love it!

Registration for Session 3 classes running Nov. 1 through Dec. 19, is open now. Ages 5 to 17 are welcome for after school youth classes and classes are split between ages 5 to 7, 8 to 11 and 12 to 17, go online at frequentflyers.org and you can register until Nov. 14 for winter classes. Challenging movement, creative expression and working as a team is all part of the program.

For an excellent dance studio after school option, a top-notch option is Production

through 5th grade throughout Boulder County and into Larimer and Weld counties. The Y conveniently busses kids from select schools to after school care at YMCA facilities in Boulder, Longmont and Lafayette. “In Y after school care, we support students with homework help and active play as well as STEM activities, group games and sports, arts and crafts and more,” said Andra Coberly Webster, YMCA of Northern Colorado spokesperson.

“There are also school day off camps with special themed programming and activities like swimming, ice skating (only at the Arapahoe Y) and much more.” The YMCA of Northern Colorado also offers after school programs in several select Larimer and Weld county schools, providing after school programs in 4 school districts.

It’s convenient for parents because kids can also do swim lessons and participate in specialty clubs as part of their after school care and programming. The Y is a non-profit and accepts CCAP (Colorado Childcare Assistance Program) and offers financial assistance for families that qualify.

They make sure all children have access to YMCA after school programs, no matter a family’s ability to pay. To find out all the specifics of the several programs, go to their website at ymcanoco.org or call 303.664.5455. Or stop in at one of their locations, all addresses are listed on their website.

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STUFFED BELL PEPPER CASSEROLE Servings: 4 ounces ground turkey breast yellow onion, chopped teaspoon salt teaspoon pepper large bell peppers, chopped (1 each red, yellow and green) 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes 1/2 cup long-grain brown rice 1 teaspoon oregano 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

20 1 1/4 1/4 3

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n weeknights, many families rush around trying to prepare for the next day. While these moments can be stressful, the silver lining of the evening is when everyone pauses to enjoy a perfectly cooked family dinner together.

From tough homework assignments and soccer practice to getting everyone tucked into bed, the days can seem long, but those special moments make cooking a memorable meal worthwhile.

When life gets busy, you need a family recipe that is quick to make, easy to bake and mouthwatering to eat. Try this recipe for Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole next time you are in a pinch.

It’s made with hearty ground turkey breast, delicious bell peppers, crushed tomatoes and brown rice then topped with gooey sharp cheddar cheese. This short ingredient list makes it easy to assemble. Brown the turkey and onions then combine all the ingredients, in a layered fashion, in a baking dish. It’s simple to prepare before baking to perfection.

It’s just right for little ones who are hungry and ready for a wholesome and appetizing home-cooked meal. Adults enjoy the natural flavors and fresh ingredients that keep all ages happy and content.

Find more family dinner recipes at Culinary.net.

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Heat oven to 350 F. In large skillet over medium heat, add turkey, onions, salt and pepper. Break up turkey and cook until browned.

Add turkey mixture to 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Add bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, brown rice, oregano and garlic powder. Mix until combined.

Cover with aluminum foil. Bake 80-90 minutes until rice is tender.

Remove foil, add shredded cheese and bake 5 minutes until cheese is melted.

CULINARY.NET

A weeknight meal to munch on

Raised in the Rockies

Keeping your car clean with kids

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November 2021

f you have, or have ever had children or pets, then you know the battle that is maintaining a clean car, especially in the winter. Snow laden and soggy boots tramp on carpets and kick the backs of seats, leaving muddy prints and odor.

And don’t forget the constant barrage of cheerios and goldfish getting lost in the seats and stains of unknown origins.

Between it all it can be difficult to stay on top of keeping your car clean.

Wade Keith, brand manager for Breeze Thru Car Wash, gave some tips for parents to quickly and easily clean your car and keep it that way.

“A lot of times as parents we don’t have a ton of time to keep our car clean.

That’s why we offer services like a wash pass for express interior clean. You could come in literally every day and get our express interior clean service, which includes an express vacuum, light dash wipe down, windows cleaned and an exterior wash,” says Keith.

While Longmont has a flex-service wash which includes the express interior clean, other locations aren’t flex-service

and in that case a pass holder would get the top wash. The express interior clean takes roughly about five minutes, while the super interior clean, which is a more extensive cleaning, takes about 20 minutes. You receive a discount on the super interior clean if you are a wash pass holder. You can also purchase washes and cleans as one-time purchases.

“Cleaning your car more often is an easier and good way to keep it clean,” says Keith.

Keith says waiting to clean your car in the winter can be a mistake.

“In the winter to melt the snow, they put mag chloride on the roads. Mag chloride has a component of corn syrup in it to help stick to the roads. That gets on your car. If it snows, a lot of people will wait until the road is completely dry to come in for a wash, but after it’s caked on heavily it can be hard to remove no matter what wash you go to,” Keith says.

“With the new ceramic wax that’s out there, that provides a layer of protection on your car, which helps shield it from the mag chloride.”

Beyond visiting Breeze Thru, Keith says there are some things he does to keep his own car clean despite his kids’ best

DARIAN ARMER RAISED IN THE ROCKIES

efforts.

“There are some general things you can do to keep your car clean. I have two kids and in order for me to keep my car clean I have created a habit, whether I’ve been on a trip with my kids or even just coming home on a daily basis, I grab everything out of the car that shouldn’t be there and take it inside. I dump it on the table and disperse it to where it needs to go. It’s a best practice of mine,” says Keith.

If you don’t take the clutter in from the car at the end of the day, at least corral it. Bins or tubs can act as a catch all and even a bag for trash will work in a pinch to keep wrappers from disappearing under the seats.

To avoid soggy floor mats that trap odor, Keith recommends replacing carpet floor mats with rubber mats instead. If you have pets, Keith says there are special tools made to get pet hair out of cars, especially shed from short-haired dogs.

“It embeds in the seat but we have rubber tools with rubber bristles at the car wash, which I use to brush the seat while I’m vacuuming,” he says.

Perhaps most importantly, drive safely and enjoy the ride.

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