K – 12 College Prep in a
Located in
A liberal arts education has been recognized
throughout history for its broad benefits and its appropriateness as a
foundation for future learning. By
focusing on a liberal arts college preparatory program, Peak to Peak achieves
two important objectives: it prepares students to meet successfully the
educational challenges of higher education, and it prepares them to be
well-educated citizens in an increasingly complex world. Peak to Peak takes this time-tested education
and makes it accessible to students who are interested in a focused college
preparatory program, regardless of their cultural or economic backgrounds.
The school is designed from the ground up for graduates to meet
or exceed the entrance requirements of top colleges and universities. The
elementary, middle and high school programs have been carefully crafted as a
unified, coherent and challenging curriculum, which progressively builds each
student's foundation of knowledge and mastery of skills, while preparing them
for university life.
Peak to Peak is small enough to ensure that each
student is known and valued but large enough to provide a variety of academic,
athletic, and extracurricular activities. Students’ character also matters at
Peak to Peak. The school’s size provides
opportunities to work with students as they participate in and assume leadership
roles in extracurricular activities and our community.
Peak to Peak’s elementary program uses the nationally recognized Core
Knowledge Sequence. In addition to
reading, writing, spelling, math, and science, Peak to Peak elementary students
participate in P.E., art, Spanish, music and library time.
Students
entering middle school enroll in courses specifically designed to prepare
students to take and succeed in Peak to Peak’s advanced college preparatory
high school courses. In addition, they
enjoy a variety of courses such as P.E., music, theater, art, and
technology. Students are also encouraged
to participate in Peak to Peak’s extracurricular sports program, as well as a
variety of clubs, competitions, and an annual theater production.
Peak to Peak’s high school features Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the CU Succeed Gold Program, with university courses taught during the school day by University of Colorado, Denver, adjunct professors on-staff at Peak to Peak. To recognize students who desire a challenging, well-rounded high school experience and indicate to highly selective colleges a student’s commitment to excellence, Peak to Peak offers the “Peak Scholar Award.” The high school also provides an assortment of courses in P.E., music, theater, art, journalism, and technology and will add to the course selection as the program continues to grow. Students are also encouraged to participate in Peak to Peak’s extracurricular sports, theater performances, clubs, and competitions.
Peak to Peak’s rigorous curriculum has
demonstrated results. Peak to Peak has
ranked “Excellent” at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, and
earned multiple “John Irwin School of Excellence Awards.” The
Excellent ratings and the John Irwin Awards are based on CSAP scores and are
presented to schools that rate within the top 8% of all
What is Peak to Peak’s vision?
The Peak to Peak community will inspire students
to fulfill their academic dreams for college, to develop their creative
passions and athletic talents, and to become responsible citizens.
When did Peak to Peak open?
The 2007 – 2008 school year marks Peak to
Peak’s eighth year of operation.
What is a charter school?
Operating within
local public school districts, charter schools are public schools with their
own board of directors. For more
information on charter schools, see the Colorado Department of
Education Charter School page.
Is tuition charged?
No. Charter schools are public schools,
which receive public funding.
What does your campus include?
Peak to Peak is fortunate to be located in a
new three building campus. The school
inaugurated its new 100,000 square foot campus in the 2002-2003 school
year. Located on approximately 26 acres,
the site incorporates strong academic and extracurricular features. Included
are Advanced Placement (AP) science labs, a college prep counseling center, a
technology lab, a spacious fine arts room, two libraries, vocal and
instrumental music classrooms, two gymnasiums, a fully-equipped weight room,
two soccer fields including one high-quality synthetic turf field, and two
playgrounds. A new performing arts
complex is under construction and will soon provide an on-campus venue for Peak
to Peak’s thespians’ endeavors.
How is the school financed?
Peak to Peak manages its own budget and is responsible
for meeting all financial commitments associated with the school. Financing for the operation and construction
of the school are separate but interrelated issues. BVSD allocates operational funding to Peak to
Peak on a per pupil basis. Unlike other
public schools, charter school’s building costs are paid from those operational
funds.
Peak to Peak’s buildings are financed
through the issuance of bonds through the Colorado Educational and Cultural
Facilities Authority (CECFA). The school’s per pupil funding is used to retire
the bonds over the long-term.
Will the school need additional financial
resources to complete the facilities and operate the school?
Yes!
Peak to Peak needs any and all financial assistance available to pay for
the campus, operate the school, and build the new performing arts complex, a
library, and additional sports facilities.
In Peak to Peak’s start-up years, significant grant funding and private
contributions were used to support the school's initial long-term requirements
for curriculum materials and supplies and special programs. At this stage in
Peak to Peak’s growth, the school has embarked on efforts to raise money to
build the performing arts wing, a library, and additional athletic facilities,
including a softball/baseball field and, eventually, tennis courts.
Who hires the teachers and staff?
Peak to Peak’s board of directors is
responsible for personnel selection procedures, job descriptions, and the
hiring of personnel. Peak to Peak has an active hiring/organizational
development committee that works with the board and
the administration to fulfill hiring needs.
How qualified are Peak to Peak’s teachers and staff?
Peak to Peak is becoming widely
known for its exceptional faculty. The teaching staff is carefully selected
following an extensive interviewing process by a team that includes
administrators, other teachers and parents. During the 2003–2004 school year, Peak to Peak’s
secondary teachers averaged six years of teaching experience; 95 percent taught
within their field of degree, and 62 percent held advanced degrees. The
elementary teachers had an average of eight years of teaching experience; 90
percent taught within their field of degree, and 29 percent held advanced
degrees. Furthermore, Peak to Peak’s K-12 administrative team has an average of
15 years of experience in education.
What class size can we expect at Peak to Peak?
While Peak to Peak is a small
school, our class sizes are similar to other public schools. We endeavor to keep class sizes at 24
students in grades kindergarten through second grade, 26 in third through fifth
grade, and an average of 25 students in middle and high school classes. Although efforts are made to balance class
sizes, Peak to Peak’s goal to place students in courses that properly challenge
does sometimes create fluctuations in class size.
Are parents expected to volunteer at Peak to Peak?
Peak to Peak strongly believes that
parental involvement is an important factor in a successful education, and
requests that each family contribute to the school through volunteer work
and/or other resources. Since Peak to
Peak has high standards for the school and our students but fewer dollars than
other schools, these volunteer efforts are essential.
How does Peak to Peak promote a positive
school culture?
The development of positive character plays an important role at Peak to
Peak. The school seeks to intentionally
infuse character throughout the culture of the school rather than adding it as
an extra program. The school supports a positive environment through community
service, a bully-proofing program, a code of conduct, and an honor code. Additionally, the school maintains a strong
dress code.
Peak to Peak’s students work hard in their academic endeavors, which
means they also need time to enjoy and participate in extracurricular
competitions and after-school activities.
Elementary students enjoy a variety of cultural activities and can join
the after-school sports and activities program. Middle and high school students
enjoy a variety of sports, clubs and activities.
Are special education services available?
Special education services are
available to students with learning disabilities. Every special education student has
accommodations as determined in his or her Individual Education Program (IEP).
Accommodations for students are made following the principles outlined in Teaching
Special Education Students in the Regular Classroom by Susan
Winebrenner as well as other resources.
How are the needs of gifted students
addressed?
Services to students who are
identified as gifted are available. At
the elementary level, cluster grouping is employed within the classroom.
Students are grouped by ability in reading and math. Differentiation is expected of teachers at all
levels and in all classes following the principles outlined in Teaching
Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom by Susan Winebrenner as well as other
resources. In the secondary school, honors classes, AP classes,
and C.U. Succeed Gold courses are available, and
students are encouraged to advance in each subject area to a level that is both
challenging and appropriate. Students who have more specific educational needs
may have a Personal Learning Plan (PLP) written by the Appropriate Learning and
Placement Coordinator.
How does Peak to Peak reach families who
might not hear about the school because of language barriers or other reasons?
Peak to Peak has an outreach plan to notify
students and parents who might not otherwise consider the school for enrollment.
To this end, Peak to Peak uses a multifaceted strategy to reach the larger
Is information about Peak to Peak
available in languages other than English?
Yes. Peak to Peak’s informational brochure
and BVSD’s open enrollment information are available in Spanish. Peak to Peak representatives also are
available to answer questions in Spanish and other languages.
Is transportation provided?
No transportation is provided for charter
schools under
What is "open enrollment?"
Each year, BVSD holds an "open enrollment period." During this time, parents who are interested in enrollment for the next school year are to follow the open enrollment process as outlined at http://www.bvsd.org/eduprograms/bv_openenroll.shtml to apply to any BVSD school. Peak to Peak participates in this process. Parents of students who did not enroll during the OE period, should contact Peak to Peak’s Registrar at 303-453-4720 to determine whether there is space available and learn more about the school district’s enrollment system.
How do I enroll my student at Peak to
Peak?
Peak to Peak’s goal is to prepare our
students for success in college. If your
family desires a challenging, liberal arts education, we invite you to attend
one of Peak to Peak’s informational meetings that are held during the OE
period. Meeting times and dates are
listed on Peak to Peak’s website.
Parents can follow BVSD’s open enrollment procedures and
apply to Peak to Peak. Enrollment forms
are available during the open enrollment period on BVSD's website at http://www.bvsd.org/eduprograms/openEnrollStart.shtml;
the
Acceptance of students for Peak to Peak is
based on the lottery system, as is the case with open enrollment at any
If my student is not offered a space this
year, am I placed on the waitlist for the next school year?
BVSD eliminates Peak to Peak’s waitlist on
October 1st of each year. If your student is not offered a space for
the 2007-2008 school year and you are interested in attendance the next year,
you must re-apply during the next open enrollment period. If you apply one year, do not receive an
offer, and re-apply during the open enrollment period the next year, your
application for the subsequent year will receive a higher priority in the
lottery.
~ Grades K - 5 ~
What is the curriculum for the elementary
school?
Peak to Peak Elementary School uses the
nationally recognized Core Knowledge Sequence as its basis for content. Core
Knowledge provides a rich, varied program that has shown great success with
students from a wide variety of backgrounds. It has been well received by BVSD
parents and has demonstrated a record of student achievement both locally and
nationally.
More information regarding Core Knowledge is
available through the Core Knowledge Foundation's website at www.coreknowledge.org or by phone at
1-800-238-3233.
What is the age requirement for kindergarten
students?
For the 2005 – 2006 school year,
kindergarteners in BVSD must reach the age of five years on or before September
30th.
How does Peak to Peak adjust its
curriculum to meet the students’ academic needs?
Peak to Peak uses several methods to
appropriately challenge students. Once
admitted to Peak to Peak, each student is assessed in math and reading to gauge
his or her current level and placed in the appropriate math and reading class
to meet his or her needs. Teachers also
use strategies such as clustering, differentiation, and compacting to challenge
students in spelling, history, science, and Spanish.
What “specialties” are offered to Peak to
Peak elementary students?
Peak to Peak is committed to providing a
solid liberal arts foundation in our elementary program. Elementary students receive instruction in P.E., art, Spanish, music, and library use.
Is there a kindergarten enrichment
program and before- and after- school care?
Yes, the kindergarten enrichment program currently
meets in the afternoon for morning kindergarten students. The before- and
after- school care program serves elementary students through fun and focused
activities, snack, “Reading Buddies” with Peak to Peak middle and high school
student volunteers, and homework time.
Do
you offer extracurricular after-school activities?
Yes, Peak to Peak’s before- and after-school
care program offers sports and activities and makes them available to all Peak
to Peak elementary students. The school
also sponsors activities such a Destination Imagination, Community Service
projects, Student Council, Talent Shows, Storytelling Club, Student Recycling
Committee, Spelling Bee, BVSD Geography Bee, Mad Science, and Character
Development activities.
~ Grades 6 - 8 ~
What is the curriculum for the middle
school?
Peak to Peak Middle School offers a challenging
sequence of coursework in math, English, science, social studies, foreign language, art,
music, drama, technology, and P.E. to prepare students for Peak to Peak’s
focused, college preparatory high school.
Students are encouraged to take a level of coursework that allows them
to meet their goals for challenge and advancement.
For additional information on the Middle
School Curriculum, see the Peak
to Peak Curriculum.
How does Peak to Peak meet the needs of middle school students who are ready
for more challenge?
Peak to Peak places middle and high school
students in courses according to the student’s ability and knowledge, not grade
level or chronological age. Once
enrolled in Peak to Peak, new middle school students are assessed in several
curricular areas and asked for previous course level and performance information
to determine appropriate course placement.
Do students who attend other Core
Knowledge schools have an admission preference?
Peak to Peak’s elementary, middle, and high
school curriculum is aligned to progressively build on previous knowledge. Because the elementary program is based on
the Core Knowledge curriculum, students who have attended other Core Knowledge
programs will be familiar with much of the elementary content and are
encouraged to apply. However, a
preference is not provided.
Can students who have not attended a Core
Knowledge program succeed at Peak to Peak?
Definitely.
Many of Peak to Peak’s current students did not attend a Core Knowledge
elementary school and are successfully learning in Peak to Peak’s middle and
high school program. It is a good match
for students who desire a rigorous academic program that provides content,
while developing critical thinking skills.
What
extracurricular activities are offered at the middle school level?
Peak to Peak encourages students to become involved
in school-sponsored activities. The
school offers activities such as Student Council, BVSD Science Fair, BVSD
Geography Bee, Character Reflections Contest, BVSD Art Show, Chess, Service
Learning Projects – program of applying curriculum to solve real life problems,
Destination Imagination, Yearbook, Talent Show, Bolder Boulder Middle School
Challenge, National Junior Honor Society, Quiz Bowl, and Math League.
Are
after-school athletics available at Peak to Peak?
In BVSD and at Peak to Peak, intramural opportunities for
6th and 7th graders include flag football, cross country, basketball, and
track. Peak to Peak’s 8th
graders participate in BVSD’s interscholastic athletics, offering basketball,
volleyball, cross country, track, and girls soccer. While not offered by BVSD, Peak to Peak fields
an 8th grade boys soccer team.
~ Grades 9 - 12 ~
What distinguishes Peak to Peak High
School?
Peak to Peak High School offers a rigorous,
challenging curriculum for students who desire a smaller, academically oriented
school with a liberal arts, college preparatory focus. The school is an excellent match for students
who want to work hard to achieve an outstanding education in a highly
supportive environment.
Peak
to Peak’s high school features the Peak Scholar Award. Designed for students who desire a
challenging, well-rounded high school experience, the Peak Scholar Diploma
indicates to highly selective colleges the Peak Scholar’s commitment to
excellence. The Peak Scholar Diploma
demonstrates achievement in the following areas:
q
Advanced
Placement (AP) courses and exams
q
The CU Succeed Gold Program with
university courses taught during the school day by CU adjunct professors who
are on-staff at Peak to Peak
q
Honor Roll distinction
q
A commitment to our community
through community service
q
Leadership or extracurricular activities
Peak
to Peak High School was rated “Excellent” by the State of
Why did Peak to Peak choose a 600 student
high school?
Peak to Peak began its high school program
in the 2001-2002 school year with 13 freshman. It grew to approximately 130
students the next year, adding another 100 students for a high school
population of about 230 for the 2003-2004 school year. The 2004-2005 school year is another year of
student growth, adding another 100 students to the high school. The school is expected to reach its ultimate
high school size of 600 students in the 2006 school year. The 2004-2005 school year also marks the year
that Peak to Peak will graduate its first senior class.
The
600-student high school was chosen based on studies indicating that an ideal size for a high
school ranges from 400 – 800 students.
According to research by Kathleen Cotton on the benefits of small-scale
schooling, “Findings on the affective and social effects of
school size are extensive and highly consistent.” Her research indicates “… the superiority of
small schools in the following areas: student attitudes toward school in
general and particular subjects, personal and academic self-concepts of
students, student sense of belonging, social bonding between teachers and
students, teacher and administrator attitudes toward work and each other, and
cooperation among colleagues. Research on social behavior shows that compared
to large schools, small schools have higher student rates of extracurricular
participation, higher attendance rates, lower dropout rates, and fewer behavior
and discipline problems.”
Given
its size, does Peak to Peak High School offer a variety of courses, athletic
teams, and extracurricular activities?
Colleges and universities
seek students who maintain long-term commitments, make meaningful contributions
including non-academic activities, and manage their time efficiently. Peak to Peak is committed to providing those
types of activities to our students.
In
addition to the music, theater, art, P.E., technology, and journalism courses
that are offered as part of the curriculum, Peak to Peak High School offers
extracurricular clubs and activities that provide opportunities for students to
excel in areas such as leadership, sports, music, and the performing arts. The school encourages students to participate
in clubs and activities such as Student Council, the National Honor Society,
Peak Perk (a student-run before school coffee shop), Student Peer Mediation,
the Talent Show, Yearbook, Film Club, and Service Learning Projects (a program
of applying curriculum to solve real life problems) and academic competitions
such as Science Fair, Quiz Bowl, Mock Trial Club, Destination Imagination, Math
League and CSU Math Days.
Since
students at Peak to Peak work hard, it is also important to have fun. Peak to Peak students have participated in several
dances each year and other activities such as school musicals, scavenger hunts
on college campuses, spirit days, paintball competitions, and open gyms.
Peak
to Peak competes in CHSAA’s Metro League.
This year, athletic teams are competing in a variety sports including
cross country, girls volleyball, soccer, basketball, hockey, track, girls
softball and boys golf. Peak to Peak is
considering the addition of boys baseball to the spring sports schedule, and it
is anticipated that additional sports may be added in future years as the high
school grows (depending on funding, student interest and availability of
coaches). Cheerleaders and the Pep Band
add to the fun at Peak to Peak’s highly competitive Metro League games.
Students
wishing to enroll in a sport not offered by Peak to Peak are entitled to try
out for, and participate on, teams at other BVSD schools. Fees required for participation at other
schools will be 150 percent for Peak to Peak students.
Why is Peak to Peak High School needed?
Peak to Peak is a focused college
preparatory program in the public education system. As such, students who demonstrate mastery of
the knowledge and skills of a particular course level are encouraged to enroll
in a more advanced course. The school
offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses that can be taken when a
student is prepared for them, from freshman through senior year. In addition, Peak to Peak participates in the
CU Succeed Gold Program, with university courses taught during the school day
by University of Colorado, Denver, adjunct professors on-staff at Peak to Peak.
Many
students benefit from the guidance and direction that Peak to Peak
provides. Peak to Peak offers a
collegial atmosphere in which every student is known and valued as an
individual. Students have the opportunity to develop sustained relationships
with members of the faculty.
How was the curriculum developed?
Consultation with numerous top-ranked public
and private colleges and universities across the country led to the development
of the required and elective courses. The intent is that all students will meet
or exceed the minimum requirements to attend the college of their choice and be
ready to succeed in those programs.
What courses are required for graduation?
Students must take:
q
Four years of
English
q
Four years of
Math starting with the 2004 – 2005 incoming freshmen
q
Three years of
science
q
A half year of
Technology
q
Three and a half
years of history, geography, government, and economics
q
Three years of a
single foreign language (or alternatively complete Level 4 in a single foreign
language)
q
Two years in the
arts: music (choir, orchestra, band), art, theater
q
One year of
physical education or earn PE credits through pre-approved outside athletic
activity
q
One half year of
health
Are advanced courses
offered?
Peak
to Peak offers a number of honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The following is a list of AP courses offered
at Peak to Peak (Some courses are offered on a biannual basis):
§
AP Human
Geography
§
AP
§
AP
§
AP World History
§
AP Literature
and Composition
§
AP Spanish
Language
§
AP French
Language
§
AP Calculus AB
§
AP Calculus BC
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
Peak
to Peak’s students are quickly advancing to higher-level courses, providing the
school with the opportunity to increase our AP level course offerings. While college requirements and student
interest will determine final course offerings, it is expected that Peak to
Peak will offer the following additional AP classes:
- AP European History
- AP Language & Composition
- AP Spanish Literature
- AP French Literature
- AP Statistics
- AP Physics
- AP Computer Science
- AP Music Theory
- AP Studio Art
What
are some of the advantages of AP?
Peak
to Peak’s AP program is a challenging academic program designed to provide
motivated high school students with college level academic courses. The courses provide an excellent opportunity
to build study skills for a successful college experience.
Attending
an AP high school offers the following benefits for students:
q
More than 90
percent of
q
More than 300 additional
universities in 20 countries recognize AP courses and exams.
q
Approximately 50
percent of
q
The AP
organization has three levels of AP diploma.
q
Students may
take AP courses in all high school years if prepared for the coursework.
What
are some other features of the Peak to Peak high school?
Peak to Peak has established the
goal of becoming one of the top 100 high schools in the