What you want to know about
Peak to Peak
Elementary School
Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Studies Gifted/Special Needs Homeroom Placement Kindergarten
Message from the Principal
As Peak to Peak begins its
sixth year of elementary and fifth year of middle and high school, there is
much to celebrate. Our teachers and
staff have taken the original vision of a K-12 college preparatory public
school and developed a successful school that has proven that when challenged
students can, and do, rise to the occasion.
Peak to Peak standards-based
Elementary School’s rigorous curriculum uses the nationally recognized Core
Knowledge Sequence as the basis for its content. Our literature-based reading
program emphasizes phonics, phonemic awareness and extensive practice which
builds fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. Our math program emphasizes
computation and problem-solving. Peak to
Peak believes that students should be placed according to their abilities
rather than by strict age levels, so students are ability-grouped in math and
reading classes. Teachers also use
clustering, differentiation, and compacting to meet all students’ needs.
The result has been
significant outside recognition. The
elementary, middle and high schools have each been ranked “Excellent” by the Colorado
Department of Education and received John
Irwin School of Excellence Awards. Peak to Peak is also pleased to be one of
only two public schools in
As
Peak to Peak moves forward, we will continue our commitment to academic
excellence, while providing an atmosphere in which each student is known and
valued.
Program Characteristics
Peak to Peak’s standards-based
Elementary program is based on the nationally recognized Core Knowledge
Sequence, with additional educational materials. In addition to reading, writing, spelling,
math, social studies, and science, Peak to Peak elementary students participate
in P.E., art, world language (Spanish or French), music and library time.
Peak to Peak uses a structured
reading skills curriculum that emphasizes phonics, phonemic awareness and
extensive practice which builds fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary.
Literature selections for each grade include a variety of modern and classical
literature, drama, poetry and speeches. Given the depth and breadth of Core
Knowledge content in history, geography, civics, science and the arts, there
are many opportunities to integrate reading and writing instruction across the
curriculum.
Beginning in kindergarten, and
continuing throughout elementary, middle, and high school, all students are
taught writing skills on a common writing continuum and assessed using
the research-based Six-Trait Analytical Writing Assessment Model.
Beginning in first grade, students
are placed in flexible math groups to ensure that each individual is
appropriately challenged. Peak to Peak’s math curriculum places equal emphasis
on math content and problem-solving skills.
Peak to Peak encourages all students
to become proficient in at least one language in addition to English. At the
elementary level, students have world language instruction in Spanish and/or
French, with a focus on pronunciation, vocabulary, and cultural studies.
Special Programs and Opportunities
Examples of the activities
in which Peak to Peak elementary students may participate include:
Peak to Peak’s before- and
after-school care program also offers sports and activities and makes them
available to all Peak to Peak elementary students.
School Climate
Peak to Peak’s high
expectations also apply to the school’s culture, including expectations for
behavior and responsibility. Included in
Peak to Peak’s mission statement is the goal that Peak to Peak students will
become active and responsible citizens of an interdependent world. It is therefore expected that Peak to Peak
students will consider how their decisions and actions will affect themselves
and others.
Through the Character
Development Committee and staff, Peak to Peak seeks to intentionally infuse
character throughout the culture of the school rather than adding it as an
extra program. To achieve this goal,
Character Development has been included in several ways including:
Peak to Peak’s elementary
school students have participated in character assemblies, school-wide
character/community building activities, school-to-home character connections,
service learning and bully-proofing fairs.
The school also supports a positive environment through community
service, a bully-proofing program, a code of conduct, a dress code and an honor
code.
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