For over a decade, St. Vrain has offered high-quality preschool programs in every school community. Research has shown that robust and high-quality early childhood education programs is pivotal to ensuring equity and giving students a strong foundation for academic growth and success.

In addition to high-quality preschool programs, St. Vrain Valley Schools has offered full-day kindergarten in all elementary schools for over a decade.

Full-day kindergarten programs improve the health prospects of low-income and racial and ethnic minority children, based on evidence that full-day programs substantially improve reading and mathematics achievement—determinants of long-term academic and health-related outcomes (e.g., reduced teen pregnancy and risk behaviors)—when compared with half-day kindergarten or full-day kindergarten on alternating days.

St. Vrain Valley Schools has invested millions of dollars in our schools. This has included the $16.6 million Race-to-the-Top grant, and the $3.6 million Investing in Innovation (i3) grant. These investments included significant upgrades to school buildings and classrooms, in addition to the wide implementation of STEM focus programming and the opening of the district’s Innovation Center.

St. Vrain Valley Schools offers robust curriculum and programs that are giving all students a strong competitive advantage for future success. Through the Innovation Center and the Career Elevation and Technology Center, students can earn many industry certifications and gain experience in fast growing technology and manufacturing industries.

St. Vrain Valley Schools is home to Colorado’s first Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program, now offered at three district high schools. P-TECH is a new type of school that brings together the best elements of high school, college and the professional world, allowing students to earn a high school diploma as well an Associate degree at no cost to the student. The program includes significant internship and mentorship opportunities alongside industry partners, giving students a head start in their career after completing the program. Students enroll in 9th grade and complete the program in 4-6 years.

The P-TEACH Program introduces St. Vrain high school students to a career as an educator by offering a variety of concurrent enrollment courses. Students can earn credit through UC Denver, as well as participate in a variety of enrichment activities such as field trips to the UC Denver School of Education and Human Development. This is one critical strategy that St. Vrain is focusing on to increase our high-quality teaching ranks for all students and provide additional career pathways that will keep our students in our community beyond graduation.

St. Vrain Valley Schools has some of the most rigorous graduation requirements in the state, ensuring that all students graduate with the number of credits required to apply to any postsecondary program in Colorado. As we have increased rigor, we have seen significant gains in student achievement.

St. Vrain believes strongly that school attendance should not be limited by zipcode. To this end, students and families can enroll in any school or program that best fits their needs and interests. Additionally, the district has developed over 70 instructional focus programs that provide focused content delivery on top of the already rigorous academic foundation available at every school.

St. Vrain Valley Schools has been nationally recognized for supporting students with disabilities and our Unified programs. Unified programs use a collaborative approach to enrich student life, and entire school communities. Instead of guts, glory and trophies, think cooperation, generosity and even selflessness. The players – students with special needs – are shadowed during games and practice by non-disabled student “partners” who are there solely to coach and encourage them. Programs across the district include basketball, percussion, bowling, flag football, and soccer.

St. Vrain has strong partnerships with local LGBTQ advocacy organizations and many policies and resource to support LGBTQ students.

St. Vrain Valley Schools recognizes students who have studied and attained proficiency or higher in English and at least one other language with the Seal of Biliteracy. This award, given at graduation, provides students with a competitive advantage in the employment market as well as increased opportunities for higher education. 

Our human resources team continues to prioritize recruitment, hiring, and retention of a workforce that is committed to the advancement of all students and the communities we serve.

To ensure all students have access to high-quality learning devices, St. Vrain Valley Schools has implemented a 1:1 iPad program. Starting with middle school students in 2012 the program has now expanded to include students at all grade levels. Additionally, the district supports many initiatives to ensure that families have internet access at home.

St. Vrain Valley Schools is highly connected to the local, state, and national business community, with more than 500 industry, corporate, government, and higher education partners. These important relationships provide expertise, mentorship, and resources to ensure that St. Vrain is a leading district in providing opportunities that students will need to be successful beyond graduation. Key partners include Apple, Google, UCHealth, Boeing, Cisco, Toyota, Seagate, Agilent, Amazon, and many more.

St. Vrain Valley Schools has a robust professional development program that includes training and other opportunities for teachers and staff to engage in learning on topics that will support the advancement of all students.