St. Vrain Valley Schools has been recognized as one of three finalists for the prestigious Districts of Distinction: Academic Excellence award by District Administration, highlighting the district’s exceptional commitment to academic excellence and innovation in education. The announcement came during the District Administration Leadership Institute Superintendent Summit in Naples, Florida, on December 13, 2023.
St. Vrain Valley Schools demonstrates a strong belief in the power of public education to build the next generation of leaders and innovators who will advance the success of our communities, state, nation, and world. The district earned this distinguished recognition for its focus on providing a comprehensive foundation to bolster robust innovation, which has transformed educational opportunities for students across the region. This recognition celebrates St. Vrain’s dedication to preparing students for future success through innovative career pathways and expanded learning opportunities.
At the heart of St. Vrain’s success is its portfolio of more than 70 career pathways, including standout programs that are reshaping education in Colorado. For example, the Pathways to Teaching (P-TEACH) program has emerged as a powerful solution to address the teaching workforce shortage. Through strategic partnerships with the University of Colorado and Early Milestones Colorado, P-TEACH offers students the opportunity to earn college credits toward a Bachelor’s degree in Education while still in high school. The program has helped 317 high school students earn 1,598 college credits while completing over 16,000 hours of valuable field experience. Starting with just one course and 17 students, P-TEACH has grown to include 10 courses offering 37 college credits, and now includes a comprehensive four-year bachelor’s degree pathway. The program’s success is evident in its outcomes – 78% of graduating seniors plan to pursue education careers, and the district has already hired its first P-TEACH graduate as a kindergarten teacher. This program is actively building the next generation of educators who will shape our children’s future.
The district’s commitment to innovation is further demonstrated through its Advanced Global Interactive Learning Environments (AGILE) program. This cutting-edge initiative breaks down traditional barriers to advanced coursework by offering synchronous online classes to students across the district and rural Colorado. Through state-of-the-art technology and interactive virtual classrooms, AGILE has expanded access to advanced coursework for 571 students. The program began with just four teachers offering six courses in 2022 and has rapidly grown to over 20 courses today, serving both St. Vrain students and learners from rural districts across Colorado. AGILE’s success exemplifies St. Vrain’s mission to prepare all students for future success while ensuring equitable access to advanced learning opportunities.
Additionally, St. Vrain Valley Schools launched Colorado’s first Pre-Law career and technical education (CTE) program, which has seen remarkable growth from 90 to over 230 students in just two years. This groundbreaking pathway provides students with comprehensive exposure to American civil and criminal law, legal systems, and theory through hands-on experiences. Students develop critical thinking, deep reading comprehension, and public speaking skills while engaging in mock trials, debates, and interactive discussions. Through partnerships with the Boulder County District Attorney, City of Boulder Police Department, and the University of Colorado Law Library, the program connects students to real-world legal experiences through job shadows, internships, and work-based learning opportunities. The Pre-Law pathway represents St. Vrain’s commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers while building essential skills that translate across multiple professional fields.
The Districts of Distinction award recognizes school districts nationwide that have implemented innovative, replicable programs leading to significant improvements in student achievement and community engagement. Finalists were selected based on their demonstration of innovative practices, measurable student achievement, and positive community impact.
St. Vrain Valley Schools continues to lead the way in educational innovation, providing students with the tools, knowledge, and experiences they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Through programs like P-TEACH, AGILE, and Pre-Law CTE, the district is creating a model for educational excellence that can be replicated by schools across the nation. By giving students a vision for their future, over the past 15 years, St. Vrain’s graduation rates have increased from a 75% overall graduation rate in 2010 to 94.3% in 2024. The district’s Hispanic graduation rate has also increased from 55% in 2010 to 90% in 2024. This is with among the highest graduation requirements in Colorado.