compassionate, responsible adults. So, parents should ask about safety protocols before they register. Ask about abuse prevention efforts. You can also check their licensing history with the state. If there are concerns, address them with the director.”
TIPS:
• First, always take a tour of a childcare center or space. That is especially true for early childhood education and preschool. Meet the staff, especially your child’s potential teacher or caregiver. Check out both the indoor and outdoor spaces. Ask all your questions. Read the parent handbook and policies.
• You should also ask for a sample daily schedule so you can understand when your child eats and naps, and how much active time they get throughout the day. Or for older kiddos, a sample schedule can help you better understand what their day looks like and how they are spending their time.
YMCA OF NORTHERN COLORADO HAS MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHILDCARE:
• In Boulder, they offer infant and toddler care, preschool, school age before and after school care and summer day camps.
• In Longmont and Johnstown, they have preschool, school age before and after school care and summer day camps.
• In Lafayette, they have school-age before- and after-school care and summer day camps.
She added, “Generally speaking, our childcare staff set out to create programs and environments that help parents feel supported and help kiddos grow, build character and develop friendships. Because our childcare programs are in Ys, we have lots of opportunities for active time: whether it’s playing in the gym, on the playground or on the sports fields, swimming in the pool or running around the track, our facilities are made for moving. We also emphasize social-emotional learning and giving kids tools to navigate and communicate their feelings.” | RR
Unstructured play is the most important part of a preschool day
REILLY THORNBERRY RAISED IN THE ROCKIES
Unstructured play, or “free” time, is known to boost brain development, cooperation and resilience in preschool age kids. In an age of screens, it’s crucial that children have time to explore, create and make connections offline.
“Play, especially unstructured play, is the mechanism nature designed for children to learn about the world and build the skills they need to become thriving adults,” says Amy Benson May, owner of Treehouse Learning in Lafayette. “Not only does play create the foundation for all future academic skills, but unstructured play is actually the primary way children learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills, develop creativity and imagination, refine social skills, learn intellectual and communication skills and develop physically and socially.”
If you’re shopping preschools, give much weight to the provider’s emphasis on (or lack of) unstructured play. “90 percent of a child’s brain development occurs before the age of five. So preschool is the ideal time to help children develop a host of skills through activities like unstructured play,” says Amy FrenchTroy, development manager at TLC Learning Center in Longmont.
“While engaging in imaginative play with others, children are building vocabulary and language skills, while also honing their social-emotional skills like empathy and perspective-taking. When they are using materials to build and create, they are working on their problem-solving skills. Playing outdoors and trying new activities requires our brains to calculate risk, take chances and regulate emotions; skills children will need to be successful in school and in life.” | RR
Unstructured play, or “free” time, is known to boost brain development, cooperation and resilience in preschool age kids. | Photo courtesy: Treehouse Learning).
Navigating preschool PARENTING
Getting children that extra support through Child Find
SHELLEY WIDHALM
RAISED IN THE ROCKIES
The number of children in state-funded preschools has nearly doubled, increasing to 70% thanks to the launch of the Colorado Universal Preschool program
A second program, Child Find, is a federal mandate that helps children with any delays get needed early intervention before they even enter kindergarten.
“The earlier you can start those interventions, the more successful a child will be,” said Shela Blankinship, M.Ed, director of Early Childhood Education at St. Vrain Valley Schools. “Hopefully, it gets them the services they need quickly, where it negates needing services later on. ”
Colorado Universal Preschool, which replaces the Colorado Preschool Program, was launched in August 2023 to provide 15 hours of free preschool to 4-yearolds up to one year before they enter kindergarten. The program includes 30 hours of free preschool for a full day for qualifying students based on family income or who are dual-language learners, homeless, in foster care or on Individualized Education Programs. Non-qualifying families can opt for the full-day program, as long as they pay for the 15 hours not covered by the state.
Students in the part- and full-day program learn social-academic skills like taking turns and following directions, while engaging in play and academics with their peers, giving them “that strong start going into kindergarten,” Blankinship said.
“I think all children benefit from preschool. It does not matter where you come from,” Blankinship said. “It really does level the playing field to get all children into preschool regardless of their finances and
circumstances.”
The state funds Child Find to identify children ages 3 to 5 suspected of having developmental delays who do not meet typical developmental milestones or show a delay in growth or learning. Referrals can come from a variety of sources, including medical providers, home visitation programs, private and public preschools, community-based childcare programs, and friends and family.
In Colorado, school districts and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services manage Child Find. Individual schools collect information from the child’s family and previous developmental screenings; conduct an initial screening; and, if deemed necessary, complete a more comprehensive evaluation to see if children are eligible for special education services. Families also can contact Child Find directly and fill out an intake form.
“The sooner we can find families and students and bring them in and intervene, we can fill those gaps and set them up to be successful in kindergarten,” said Teresa Benallo, director of Early Childhood Education at Adams 12 Five Star Schools. “When they go through our screening process, we can pinpoint those skills and potential developmental delays they may have to attach the right interventions and practices to help build the skills the 3- to 4-year-olds need.”
Families can fill out an Ages & Stages Questionnaire, which typically can be found at their medical provider’s office, to gather details about their child’s progress. School districts also now are using that form with children entering preschool.
“With the new quality standards, for any child who is enrolled in a UPK program, the school needs to provide a screening or a resource where families can have a screening completed,” said Theresa Clements, director of Early Childhood Education for Boulder
Valley School District. “The screening just looks at developmentally where the child is. It is looking at things more broadly.”
The information Child Find gathers helps determine if the child has an educational disability that requires special education and related services, such as occupational, speech and physical therapy and mental health, to help the child succeed in preschool. The services are based on the child’s identified needs through their IEP and are provided directly in the preschool classroom alongside regular classroom activities.
“We involve peers in that therapy because we know their peers are a huge, motivational factor in intervention,” Blankinship said. “It’s through play. It’s through engagement. It’s how we get kids to learn.”
The window from birth to age five is especially critical for brain development and is important for building a strong foundation for later success, Clements said.
“Having that strong foundation helps them, especially with those social-emotional skills, so that they’re strong going into kindergarten,” Clements said. “It really leads to academic success and gains in reading and math.” | RR
A student engages in independent writing, with writing tools incorporated throughout the classroom to promote literacy at Timberline PK-8 school) | Photo courtesy: St. Vrain Preschool).
ACADEMICS
FUTuRE FORWARD
Where passion meets purpose
CHRISTINA DAHMEN ADAMS 12 FIVE STAR SCHOOLS
Whether a student dreams of becoming a nurse, firefighter, engineer, entrepreneur, welder or graphic designer, FutureForward helps turn those aspirations into reality
As Adams 12 Five Star Schools' Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, FutureForward gives high school students the opportunity to discover their interests through hands-on learning and realworld experience while earning high school credit, industry certifications and, in many programs, college credit. During the 2025-2026 school year, 856 high school students earned 3,711 industry certifications through FutureForward programming.
What makes FutureForward unique isn't just the variety of programs. It's the opportunity for students to learn by doing. Whether responding to simulated emergencies, designing engineering solutions, repairing vehicles, creating digital media or caring for patients in medical labs, students gain practical experience that builds confidence and prepares them for life after graduation. Partnerships with local industries provide authentic learning experiences, work-based learning opportunities and valuable connections to future careers.
With more than 40 programs offered at the Bollman and Washington Square campuses, as well as expanded opportunities at every comprehensive high school, students can explore in-demand fields
Whether a student dreams of becoming a nurse, firefighter, engineer, entrepreneur, welder or graphic designer, FutureForward helps turn those aspirations into reality. | Photos courtesy: Adams 12 Five Star Schools
including health sciences, aviation, cybersecurity, behavioral health, engineering, culinary arts, construction trades, law enforcement, firefighting, welding, video production, artificial intelligence and more. Students work alongside experienced instructors using industry-standard equipment and technology, preparing them for success in a future of their choosing.
Demand for FutureForward continues to grow as more students discover the value of career-connected learning. Thanks to community support of the 2024 Bond, both FutureForward campuses are expanding to create additional learning space, modern facilities and even more opportunities for students to pursue
passions.
CAREER EXPLORATION NOW STARTS EARLIER
Before students choose a high school pathway, they first need a chance to discover what interests them. That discovery process begins earlier for students across Adams 12 Five Star Schools through middle school career and technical education (CTE) programming.
Thanks to the voter-approved 2024 bond and 2025 voter-approved mill levy override, the initiative provides hands-on learning experiences in middle
school classrooms, helping students begin exploring pathways that can lead to industry certifications, college credit and work-based learning opportunities in high school.
By introducing career exploration earlier, students are equipped to enter high school with a clearer sense of purpose and a better understanding of the many pathways available to them.
At Adams 12 Five Star Schools, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to find where they belong. For thousands of students each year, that place is FutureForward – where curiosity becomes confidence, skills become opportunities and passions become professions. | RR
Whether responding to simulated emergencies, designing engineering solutions, repairing vehicles, creating digital media or caring for patients in medical labs, students gain practical experience that builds confidence and prepares them for life after graduation. | Photos courtesy: Adams 12 Five Star Schools
ACADEMICS
Fast Tracking Your future
Mapping educational pathways
DARREN THORNBERRY
RAISED IN THE ROCKIES
Preparing for college doesn’t begin during senior year of high school. For many Boulder County students, it starts much earlier by building strong study habits, learning how they learn best and exploring future goals while still in middle school. Across the county, schools and academic support organizations are helping students develop the skills they need to get into college and succeed
For younger students, the focus obviously isn’t on filling out college applications. Instead, it’s about creating the foundation for future success.
At Aspen Ridge Preparatory School in Erie, middle school students take a daily Academic Lab class that teaches organization, time management, note-taking, study skills and self-advocacy. Students regularly check their grades, track missing assignments and develop routines that will prepare them for the increased independence of high school and college.
“College readiness isn’t about teaching every student the same study strategies,” says Communications and Engagement Specialist Celine
Todd. “It’s about helping each student discover how they learn best, develop study habits that complement their learning style, and build the confidence to advocate for the support they need.”
That emphasis on personal learning styles is becoming increasingly important as educators recognize that students succeed in different ways.
Mindfish, based in Boulder County, has expanded
far beyond SAT and ACT preparation since opening in 2006. Today, the organization also offers academic tutoring, executive function coaching and college admissions counseling.
Co-founder Bill Huston says many students today “are not sure how to study in general, how to study efficiently, or how optimally to study for the way their specific brains process information.” The rapid growth of artificial intelligence in classrooms, combined with learning disruptions during the pandemic, has prompted Mindfish to offer executive functioning coaching as an additional support option for students.
Mindfish has also seen increasing demand for support tailored to neurodiverse learners, including students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, OCD and other learning differences. The company employs tutors who are themselves neurodivergent and understand firsthand the challenges students may face.
“Everyone deserves and is capable of success in school and on standardized tests,” Huston says. “While standardized tests are just that—standardized – the students taking them are not. ”
As students enter high school, planning becomes more focused on preparing for life after graduation. At Dawson School in Lafayette, college planning begins in middle school with programs that help students transition successfully into high school. Families can attend workshops on topics such as paying for college and financial aid, while eighth graders hear directly from recent graduates about their experiences.
Once students enter high school, Dawson provides personalized college counseling beginning in freshman year. Executive Director of Enrollment and Community Engagement Chris Ingwalson says the school’s 30-to-1 student-to-counselor ratio allows counselors to work closely with students on everything from course selection and extracurricular activities to college essays, SAT preparation, and admissions interviews.
“The college admissions process is more complicated and competitive than ever,” Ingwalson says. “Students and parents need personalized support and expert guidance.”
Educators and parents agree that preparing students for college is about much more than earning acceptance letters. Strong organizational skills, effective study habits, self-confidence, resilience and the ability to think independently are qualities that help students succeed wherever life takes them.
Whether students plan to attend a four-year university, community college, trade school or another career pathway, developing those lifelong skills early can make all the difference. The goal isn’t simply getting into college – it’s giving students the tools they need to thrive long after graduation. | RR
Members of the Class of 2026 on Decision Day. | Photo courtesy: Dawson School
At Aspen Ridge Preparatory School in Erie, middle school students take a daily Academic Lab class that teaches organization, time management, note-taking, study skills, and self-advocacy
| Photo courtesy: Aspen Ridge Preparatory School
Mindfish, based in Boulder County, has expanded far beyond SAT and ACT preparation since opening in 2006. Today, the organization also offers academic tutoring, executive function coaching, and college admissions counseling. | Photo courtesy: Mindfish
BUILDING
Resilient Kids
Social-emotional learning in today's classrooms
COURTNEY JOHNSON
RAISED IN THE ROCKIES
With today’s ever-changing experiences, schools are tasked with preparing students not only academically but socially and emotionally for the complex world. Whether it comes to experiences at school or the world outside of academics, students are faced with challenges that test their resilience.
From character education and advisory programs to daily implemented social-emotional learning strategies and gathering circles, schools are hitting this headon. Look on the walls of classrooms and hallways, and you will see motivational sayings. Teachers begin the day building community and weaving targeted strategies into their daily lesson plans along with math, reading and other district-implemented curriculum.
Schools are using PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) and other programs to teach students the relationship between behavior and character. A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) allows local school districts, including St. Vrain and Boulder Valley, to create learning environments where all students feel supported, safe and that they are a part of the school community.
Most strategies involve supporting students where they are academically and socially with a focus on their overall well-being. Local districts and schools
recognize that helping to build strong students prepared for life is the true definition of “it takes a village,” beginning with the setting’s culture. “Socialemotional learning isn’t a single program or class,” said Tammy Lawrence, director of students for the Boulder Valley School District. “It’s woven into the school’s culture and climate, classroom instruction, student relationships and individualized supports.”
Taking a forwardthinking approach to building well-rounded students, St. Vrain Valley School District “focuses on practical, proactive classroom strategies,” said Johnny Terrell, St. Vrain’s Assistant Superintendent of Student Services. “Rather than relying solely on intensive crisis interventions, the district prioritizes relationship-centered, predictable environments that reduce stress, build executive functioning skills and boost overall student engagement,” he said.
With today’s ever-changing experiences, schools are tasked with preparing students not only academically but socially and emotionally for the complex world.
skills are most effectively developed when they are explicitly taught, consistently reinforced, and practiced within meaningful experiences,” said Tricia Pezdek, head of middle school for Boulder Country Day School.
Nina Lopez, head of school at Bixby School, believes social-emotional learning is at the core of both expected and unexpected experiences throughout the school day. “At Bixby, cultivating confident, selfaware, and resilient humans is baked into the daily fabric of our school. SEL is not an add-on to our academic program; it is the heart of it, making deep thinking and learning possible. This approach means we embrace the messy, natural opportunities that childhood and human growth present.”
“THE SCIENCE OF LEARNING TELLS US THAT SOCIALEMOTIONAL SKILLS ARE MOST EFFECTIVELY DEVELOPED WHEN THEY ARE EXPLICITLY TAUGHT, CONSISTENTLY REINFORCED, AND PRACTICED WITHIN MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES.”
Starting with the youngest learners in preschool, the focus is on foundational skills, from self-regulation and recognizing emotions to practicing empathy and skill-building. As students age and mature, there are more organic opportunities to put those foundational skills into practice.
Most SEL strategies focus on intentional learning, combining both daily and spontaneous interaction. “The science of learning tells us that social-emotional
Building upon an established foundation, the focus turns to self-advocacy, leadership, management of stress and conflict resolution - all skills meant to help carry students through adolescence and into
| Photos courtesy: Boulder Valley School District (Left), Bixby School (Right)
Adventist Christian school in Erie, does daily.
“Our goal is to help students grow not only academically, but also spiritually, socially and emotionally so that they can thrive throughout their lives,” said Leigh Drake, Kindergarten Teacher and Lead ECE Teacher at Vista Ridge. “Faith-based learning helps students develop a strong moral foundation and a clear sense of identity, both of which are increasingly important in today’s digital world
“Our core values encourage students to become responsible, respectful and thoughtful digital citizens who understand the impact of their choices, both online and offline.”
Teachers at Apple Tree Christian Preschool and Kindergarten in Broomfield know that learning many of these ideas is best when started early. They serve as foundational building blocks as students navigate the rest of their school years and then become values that their adult lives can be shaped around.
“Technology will continue to play an important role in our children’s lives, but character will always matter just as much,” said Sara Godwin, director of Apple Tree, based out of Broomfield United Methodist Church. “Faith-based learning helps children develop a strong moral foundation rooted in kindness, honesty, compassion and respect
“When children grow up knowing they are loved and valued, they are more likely to recognize when something feels wrong, uncomfortable or unkind – whether online or in person – and feel confident seeking guidance from trusted adults.”
At faith-based schools, Christian values and ethical development are woven into daily teachings and activities. Drake explained that at Vista Ridge, every classroom has dedicated Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) time, where students build skills such as empathy, self-awareness, conflict resolution and
Newpatient? Call (303) 650-4460
¿Nuevo paciente? Llamaal(303) 6504460
responsible decision-making.
This happens at Apple Tree as well. For the 20262027 school year, the spiritual focus is “Fruits of the Spirit.” Each month, children will explore one of the qualities of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness or self-control.
“These values align beautifully with the socialemotional skills that are essential during early childhood,” said Godwin. “Through everyday interactions, classroom activities and intentional guidance, children practice empathy, kindness, self-regulation and respect for others.”
Schools also partner with local communities in a variety of ways, giving students opportunities to serve, lead and engage with people outside the classroom.
“One example is our partnership with a local assisted living community, where students have opportunities to connect with and serve residents,” Drake said. “We also partner with local food banks and participate in community service initiatives that teach students the importance of helping those in need.”
At Holy Family High School in Broomfield, there is a campus ministry that provides different opportunities for students, including the Campus Ministry Team, Liturgy Music Group and the Mission Club. Students also serve as lectors, altar servers and liturgy planners.
“Students are invited to volunteer and extend their talents outward through service opportunities within their families, environment, school community, parish and the Denver metro area,” according to its website. Students also must fulfill a graduation requirement of community service through the Apostolic Ministry program.
Overall, faith-based schools aim to grow and shape students into caring, thoughtful and capable people.
Backpack School Supplies
What abouta wellchildexam?
Help your child start the school year healthy! Schedule your child's annual checkup today B S Mochila Útiles escolares ¿Qué talunchequeo médico para su hijo/a?
¡Ayúdele a su hijo/a a empezar saludable el año escolar! Programe hoy mismo un chequeo anual para su hijo/a.
Alreadya Clinica patient? Schedule an appointmentonline.
¿Yaespacientede Clinica? Agende una citaenlínea. clinica.org/my-appointments
“Our goal is to help children develop not only academic readiness but also the wisdom, confidence and empathy they will need to navigate an increasingly connected world,” Godwin said. | RR Preschool student shares a story with the class. |
Photo courtesy: Apple Tree Christian Preschool
MAKINGADIFFERENCE
potential Fueling
Local initiatives equip students for success
SHELLEY WIDHALM
RAISED IN THE ROCKIES
Two local initiatives are ensuring Colorado students have the resources and supplies they need long before the first bell rings.
Crayons to Calculators, coordinated by Impact on Education, is a back-to-school program that provides Boulder County students with school supply-filled backpacks. Longmont Dairy’s Milk Caps for Mooola is a fundraising program that pays for classroom extras not regularly funded by local school districts within the dairy’s delivery area.
“Schools may use the funds to benefit their students in any way they choose,” said Mackenzie Shelden, marketing and community engagement officer for Longmont Dairy Farm, Inc. “Most schools use their ‘Mooola’ for field trips, sports or playground equipment, art supplies and iPads.”
The dairy donates five cents for every cap turned in from its products. During the first year of the program in 2012, the dairy collected around 25,000 caps. Now, the dairy collects an average of 40,000 caps per week during the school year, with around 400 schools along the Front Range participating, including more than 30 in Boulder The caps can come from milk, cold brew, lemonade, orange juice, eggnog and other products that come in glass bottles. To date, the dairy has collected more than 17 million caps.
“Milk Caps for Moola has always been about supporting schools in our community and spreading the message of sustainability, which aligns with our company’s values,” said Katie Copeland, co-owner of Longmont Dairy. “This is a special milestone, and we’re proud to see those small actions add up to a big impact for local classrooms.”
Impact on Education, a nonprofit foundation founded in 1983, funds several programs and resources in Boulder Valley School District’s 56 public schools to address a state funding gap. The programs include high school drop-in wellness centers, career readiness academies with afterschool workshops, testing and application fees for under-resourced students, and a full-day summer school program for rising kindergartners.
“We focus on providing resources and opportunities for students with financial need in three main areas: to support their academic opportunities, wellbeing and future
readiness in college and the career of their choice,” said Allison Billings, executive director of Impact on Education.
One of Impact on Education’s programs, Crayons to Calculators, provides backpacks full of essential school supplies for nearly 4,000 low-income students a year, a program in operation since 2005. The supplies and backpacks are purchased wholesale and delivered to each of the district’s schools, ready for the first day
“By providing these essentials, families know that their child has everything they need to start the school year strong and successful without straining or exceeding their family’s resources,” Billings said. “The supplies are available at students’ home schools before the school year begins so all families can access what they need.” | RR
A mother and son duo volunteer with Impact on Education’s Crayons to Calculators school supply distribution program. | Photo courtesy: Impact on Education
Longmont Dairy Farm donates to more than 440 schools in its delivery area along the Front Range through its Milk Caps for Moola program. | Photo courtesy: Longmont Dairy Farm
Enriching the Educational Journey ACTIVITIES
BOULDER CHORALE
The Boulder Children's Chorale offers choir programs for students in kindergarten through ninth grade. The Piccolini and Prima Voce choirs introduce younger children to foundational singing skills and songs in multiple languages. The Volante and Bel Canto choirs, for 4th through 9th grade students, require an audition and focus on music theory and two-, threeand four-part harmonies. Students also perform at community events, music festivals and nursing homes and collaborate with organizations including the Colorado Music Festival and CU Opera. Auditions for the upcoming school year will be held in August. | 303.554.7692 | boulderchorale.org
FISKE PLANETARIUM
Located on the University of Colorado Boulder's campus, Fiske Planetarium is the largest planetarium in the Rocky Mountain region. They offer familyfriendly programming throughout the year with matinee showings at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Popular shows include Stars & Planets, We Are Stars narrated by Andy Serkis, One Sky and Hazelnuts: In Search of the Perfect Planet. SensoryFriendly Sundays provide families with children of all ages an opportunity to explore science and astronomy in a welcoming environment. | 303.492.5002 | colorado.edu/fiske
SUNFLOWER FARM
Sunflower Farm in Longmont offers farm-based educational programs that connect young children with nature. Students learn about animals, composting, gardening and sustainable agriculture while helping with daily farm chores and outdoor adventures. “Outdoor experiences become part of our everyday learning opportunities, fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us,” said Liz Napp, executive director of Sunflower Farm. The farm offers preschool, pre-kindergarten, schoolage and after-school programs. | 303.774.8001 | sunflowerfarminfo.com
BOULDER JCC
The Boulder JCC offers a variety of after-school programs for children in kindergarten through sixth grade, including soccer, dance, art and acting. The Little Makers Studio Mixed Media Art Class develops fine motor skills, while the Little Actors' Studio encourages creativity and self-expression. “It’s really about enriching the whole kid,” said Acy Jackson, instructor for the Little Actors’ Studio. “It’s about finding ways to express yourself, finding ways to get out of the structure a little bit, and play and fun are those ways that they do that.” | 303.998.1900 | boulderjcc.org
CHRISTINE STEVENS | RAISED IN THE ROCKIES
The Boulder JCC offers a variety of after-school programs for children in kindergarten through sixth grade, including soccer, dance, art and acting. | Photo: Brianne Devine, courtesy of Boulder JCC.
Fiske Planetarium is the largest planetarium in the Rocky Mountain region and offers family-friendly programming throughout the year | Photo courtesy: Fiske Planetarium
The Boulder Children's Chorale offers choir programs for students | Photo courtesy: Boulder Chorale
Photo courtesy: HB Woodsongs
Students learn about animals at Sunflower Farm | Photo courtesy: Sunflower Farm
LEFT: HB Woodsongs provides private lessons in guitar, ukulele, bass, mandolin, keyboards, songwriting, voice and improvisation. RIGHT: Dance Dimensions programs are designed to help children develop confidence, empathy, responsibility, focus and a sense of community with encouraging creativity | Photos courtesy: HB Woodsongs/Dance Dimensions
HB WOODSONGS
HB Woodsongs has served Boulder musicians since 1971, offering student instrument rentals with free school delivery, as well as a wide selection of instruments and accessories. The store provides private lessons in guitar, ukulele, bass, mandolin, keyboards, songwriting, voice and improvisation Learning an instrument can help students develop skills beyond music. “You’re learning a new language, honing listening skills, cultivating grit, developing coordination and learning to play with others,” said owner Sondra Blanchard. | 303.449.0516 | hbwoodsongs.com
MOJO’S MUSIC ACADEMY
Mojo's Music Academy in Longmont offers private lessons in voice, bass, guitar, drums, piano, violin and saxophone. Their lessons are open to all ages and levels of experience. Owners Jessica and Paul Rogalski will also launch a new after-school rock band program, "Keep on Rocking," on Fridays from 4 to 5 p.m. More information about the program will be available online. | 303.776.3373 | mojosmusicacademy.com
DANCE DIMENSIONS
Dance Dimensions in Longmont offers ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, pointe, pre-pointe, and combo classes for young children. Introductory combo classes combine creative ballet, tap, hiphop and tumbling for early learners. The studio’s programs are designed to help children develop confidence, empathy, responsibility, focus and a sense of community while encouraging creativity through dance. Fall classes begin Aug. 31. | 303.772.3750 | dancedimensions.net
BELOW: Rock n’ roll music camp at Mojo's Music Academy | Photo: Jessica Rogalski, courtesy of Mojo's Music Academy
DAVINCI CENTER FOR MUSICAL ARTS
The DaVinci Center for Musical Arts in Broomfield offers private lessons and group classes for students ages 3 and older. One of its signature programs, Piano Playtime, introduces children ages 3 to 6 to piano through a research-based curriculum that emphasizes audiation, finger coordination and musical creativity. The center also offers instruction in piano, voice, violin, viola, cello, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, clarinet, flute and saxophone. Lessons incorporate music reading, improvisation, composition and playing by ear, with performance opportunities available throughout the year. | 720.466.5119 | davinciarts.org
AIRBORNE
Airborne in Longmont offers gymnastics, dance, ninja, trampoline and tumbling programs for children and young adults. According to the organization,
students of all skill levels can participate in recreational or competitive programs. Gymnastics helps children build strength, coordination, spatial awareness and overall physical fitness while encouraging confidence and discipline. | 303.651.1456 | airbornecolorado.com
BOULDER PERFORMING ARTS
Boulder Performing Arts offers classes for children ages 4 to 14 that help students build confidence, improve public speaking skills and express their creativity through theater. “Our goals are to build self-esteem, confidence in speaking, reading, responsibility, creativity and awareness of others,” said Pollyanna Demitro, director of Boulder Performing Arts. She added that the program helps students develop “essential life skills such as empathy and emotional resilience.” This fall, students can participate in voice classes and productions including 101 Dalmatians, The Lion King and Little Shop of Horrors. | 303.859.4195 | boulderperformingarts.com
ROCKY MOUNTAIN THEATER FOR KIDS
Rocky Mountain Theater for Kids in Boulder offers acting classes, private lessons and the Actors Academy, which includes performance opportunities, voice instruction and advanced acting training. Its after-school acting classes focus on acting, singing and dance techniques while helping students build confidence and stage presence. Auditions for the 2026-27 season will be held through Sept. 10. 303.245.8150 | theaterforkids.net
YMCA OF NORTHERN COLORADO
The YMCA of Northern Colorado supports Boulder County students through before and after school care, offering homework assistance, STEAM projects, and social emotional skill building. Kids can also join youth sports, swim lessons, and camps. 2800 Dagny Way, Lafayette | 303.664.5455 | ymcanoco.org
Piano Playtime is one of the signature programs at the DaVinci Center for Musical Arts. | Photo courtesy: DaVinci Center for Musical Arts.
Annie production at Boulder Performing Arts. | Photo courtesy: John Demitro/Boulder Performing Arts
Rocky Mountain Theater for Kids in Boulder offers acting classes, private lessons and performance opportunities, voice instruction and advanced acting training. | Photo courtesy: Julien Motola/ Rocky Mountain Theater for Kids
FromTheSuperintendent
Rob Anderson Boulder Valley School District
Readyforanotherremarkableyear
We hope you had a wonderful summer. As the new school year approaches, we couldn't be more excited to welcome back our students, staff and families for another year of learning, growth and opportunity in the Boulder Valley School District.
Every new school year brings fresh possibilities. New friendships will be formed. New passions will be discovered. New goals will be pursued. And together, we'll continue preparing every student for a bright future.
That work continues to be guided by our All Together for All Students Strategic Plan, which is focused on inspiring a love of learning, equipping every student with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, and creating opportunities for every student to soar – whether their future includes college, a career or another meaningful path.
Thanks to the incredible work of our students, educators, staff and families, BVSD continues
to set the standard for public education in Colorado.
For the second consecutive year, Boulder Valley School District earned Colorado's highest accreditation rating – Accredited with Distinction –remaining the only school district in the Denver metro area to receive the honor. In addition, 29 BVSD schools were recognized by the Colorado Department of Education for excellence in student achievement and growth’. It is little surprise, then, that Niche once again named BVSD the Best School District in Metro Denver and the second-best district in Colorado.
But what truly makes BVSD the Place to Be isn't the recognition –it's the opportunities available to every student.
Beginning in elementary school, every BVSD student has opportunities to explore future careers through our Dare to Dream initiative.
By graduation, our goal is for every student to leave with far
more than a diploma. Through our Grad Plus framework, students graduate with experiences and credentials that help them stand out in college and the workforce.
The Class of 2026 set a new district record, with 90 percent of graduates earning at least one Grad Plus distinction, including:
• 2,119 students who earned college credit
• 823 earned industry certifications
• 318 completed internships or other work-based learning experiences
• 676 earned the Seal of Biliteracy
• 51 earned the Seal of Climate Literacy
Those opportunities continue to expand thanks to voter-supported investments in Career and Technical Education.
This summer, construction crews are putting the finishing touches on renovations at several middle and high schools, including our newly reimagined Apex career and technical education center. These state-of-the-art facilities will allow students to explore more career pathways than ever before, including behavioral health, cybersecurity, creative computing, medical assisting and pharmacy technician programs beginning this year, with aviation and aerospace, introductory nursing and modern manufacturing launching next year.
Meanwhile, the first modular homes built by our Apex Construction Trades students BoulderMOD were completed this summer The innovative partnership among BVSD, the
City of Boulder and Flatirons
Habitat for Humanity is creating affordable housing, preparing the next generation of skilled trades professionals and serving as a model for communities around the world. It is a wonderful demonstration of what is possible when education and community come together.
As we begin this school year, we also recognize that BVSD is planning thoughtfully for the future. Together with our community, we will continue making the decisions necessary to ensure every student has access to exceptional educational opportunities for generations to come. While those conversations won't always be easy, one thing will never change: our commitment to putting students at the center of every decision. Every success we celebrate – whether it is a student's first day of kindergarten, a state championship, a college acceptance, an apprenticeship or an industry certification – is possible because of the extraordinary people who make up the Boulder Valley School District. Thank you to our educators, staff, families and community partners for making these opportunities possible.
Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. We are grateful to be part of your family's educational journey and look forward to another incredible year together.
Welcome back, and here's to another remarkable year in Boulder Valley.
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year. There is real joy in these first weeks of August, when our buildings fill again with students in the hallways and teachers greeting familiar faces and new ones at classroom doors. I want to begin by thanking you for the trust you place in our schools and for the partnership that made my first year as your superintendent such a rewarding experience. I am looking forward to the year ahead with all of you.
Everything we do in St. Vrain rests on a single commitment, that each and every student will be recognized for their unique talents and aspirations and receive an exceptional PreK-12 experience, so that they graduate with a strong competitive advantage. That is what we mean when we talk about the St. Vrain Advantage It is the promise we make to every family who enrolls a child with us, and it shapes how we design innovative programs, hire the very best teachers, build and maintain beautiful facilities, and prioritize the safety and well-being of every child.
For a student in St. Vrain, that promise begins in our highquality preschool classrooms and continues without interruption for the next thirteen years. Along the way, students can pursue instructional focus academies in Biomedical Sciences, Business, Energy, Engineering and Aerospace, Leadership, Medical and BioSciences, STEM, Visual and Performing Arts, P-TEACH, or our four P-TECH programs, and they can move into dozens of workforce
pathways that connect classroom learning to careers in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace. They can sing, act, paint and play in arts programs that have earned national recognition, compete on athletic fields and courts across the state, and build underwater robots, fly drones, and earn industry certifications at the Innovation Center and the Career Elevation and Technology Center. A student in St. Vrain does not have to choose a single path at fourteen, because our system is broad enough to cultivate all of their interests at once.
Additionally, the St. Vrain Valley School District has a 96.8% on-time graduation rate, the highest in the Denver Metro Area, with among the most rigorous graduation requirements of any district in the region and alongside the lowest dropout rate. Last year, our students earned tens of thousands of college credits through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and concurrent enrollment courses, saving families millions of dollars in future tuition, and many of our students finished high school holding industry certifications or an associate degree. Our seniors earned millions of dollars in scholarships, including Daniels Scholarships and National Merit honors, and were accepted to competitive universities, the military service academies, and highly sought-after apprenticeship and skilled trades programs.
Our teachers and staff are the heart of this work, and supporting
them is one of my highest priorities. St. Vrain maintains among the highest base teacher pay in Colorado, and we have been recognized by Forbes as a BestIn-State Employer and the highest ranked K-12 employer in the state, which helps us bring exceptional educators into our classrooms and keep them here. We have also earned approximately $71 million in competitive grants, and every one of those dollars goes back into schools and programs that advance learning for your children
This summer, our buildings were full of activity as thousands of students continued learning through Project Launch, which provides four additional weeks of rigorous instruction in math and language arts, while hundreds more pursued advanced STEM and Career and Technical Education experiences through the Innovation Center and the Career Elevation and Technology Center. Our teachers and staff spent much of the past few months in professional learning of their own, including our Teach to Reach conference on the instructional strategies that unleash the potential of every child And through your continued investment in the 2024 bond, construction advanced across the district on the new Big Sky PK-8 in Mead, our new high school in Frederick, the Innovation Center expansion, a new CTE Center, a new elementary school in Erie, secure entry and safety improvements, stadium projects at Skyline and Silver Creek, and infrastructure work at schools throughout our community. We are grateful for your support, which
allows us to provide our students with world-class facilities
I have spent my entire career in public education because of what a public school system can be for the community around it. We open our doors to every child who lives here, whatever their circumstances or their ambitions, and we build around each of them the programs, relationships and support they need to thrive. That is the Public School Advantage, and I see it in our schools every day, from a preschooler sounding out letters to a senior presenting original research to a room full of engineers. It is a privilege to be part of it, and it is something we will continue to champion loudly and unapologetically
This fall, I will again host open community meetings in several of our geographic areas, and I hope you will join me. The conversations I had with families last year stayed with me, and I want to hear from you again about what is working in our schools and where we can better serve you.
To our families, thank you for trusting us with your children. To our teachers and staff, thank you for the care and skill you bring to this work every day. Together, we will make this a joyful and successful year for every student in our St. Vrain schools.
Jackie Kapushion, Ed.D. Superintendent St. Vrain Valley Schools
Chris Gdowski
Adams 12 Five Star Schools FromTheSuperintendent
Adams12FiveStarSchools iswhereyoubelong
I knew at a young age that Adams 12 Five Star Schools was a place where I belonged. That sense of belonging is what has inspired me to be a member of the Five Star community, in one way or another - student, resident, legal adviser and superintendent - for nearly 60 years.
The student experience is at the heart of what we do in the Five Star District. Knowing our students by name, strength and need cultivates academic and social belonging.
Adams 12 Five Star Schools is where our students, staff and families: Grow, Explore, Lead and Achieve.
Where you Grow
Our students and staff feel safe and supported to learn, build confidence and experience academic, social and personal growth.
Our staff know the foundation
to helping students thrive academically and socially is for them to be seen. It’s the regular, small moments of connection that add up to making a big difference; just ask Legacy High School science teacher Ross Doty In an effort to build a greater connection with students, he started to greet them with a fist bump that evolved into a simultaneous fist bump with an exuberant exchange of “woohoo!”
Mr Doty averages about 1,000 fist bumps and “woo-hoo’s!” a day He’s made such a meaningful connection with students that the Class of 2026 chose Mr Doty to deliver the faculty speech at their graduation ceremony
Where you Explore
In Adams 12 Five Star Schools, our students and staff experience opportunities to explore interests, discover new passions and pursue
a future of possibilities.
The Five Star District is bringing hands-on career exploration to middle school, helping students find purpose, relevance and direction earlier in their lives. Thanks to voter support, we’re helping middle school students explore career pathways that can lead to industry certifications, college credit and work-based learning opportunities in high school
The goal isn’t to ask middle school students to choose a career, but rather to help them discover the breadth and depth of possibilities. The new middle school career and technical education spaces will serve as career exploration labs, where students rotate through flexible learning experiences tied to multiple industries and career pathways.
Where you Lead
Our students and staff are known, empowered and encouraged to develop their strengths and use their skills to be leaders with purpose.
Across our 50-plus schools, we’re developing leaders. Every other Friday, a group of students from Northglenn Middle School board a school bus on their way to Leroy Elementary. Through the Latinos in Action (LIA) program, these students visit Leroy classrooms to mentor younger learners, helping with reading, writing and literacy skills while modeling leadership, confidence and connection.
Before stepping into classrooms, the middle school students
complete extensive training focused on literacy strategies and leadership development. Many of the mentors once attended Leroy themselves, creating meaningful moments as they reconnect with former teachers and inspire younger students who now see what opportunities await them at the next level.
Where you Achieve
In Adams 12 Five Star Schools, students and staff are challenged and celebrated through highquality learning to achieve ambitious goals and succeed in a future of their choosing.
Recent academic results demonstrate our students are achieving at high levels and growing faster than their peers. We’re celebrating data from the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment, which schools across the United States widely use to measure student progress in reading and math.
The 2026 assessment data shows students in every grade level that the test is given (Grades 1-8), are meeting or exceeding national growth benchmarks in both reading and math.
Adams 12 Five Star Schools is Where you Belong. Together, we continue to cultivate a community where every student feels valued, heard, and empowered to succeed. Thank you for your partnership and best wishes for a successful school year.
Chris Gdowski Superintendent
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
Boulder Country Day School
Boulder Country Day School is a leading private school serving students 2 ½ years old through 8th grade
Dawson School
Charter, Private & Preschool spotlight
Grades Served: 2 ½ years old through 8th grade
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. We offer 2-, 3-, 4-, or 5-day programs and a Parents Day Out (PDO) program that is a flexible option to meet the needs and schedules of families. Our preschool program curriculum is developmentally age-appropriate and provides a balance of child centered choices and teacher guided experiences in a Christian environment. We are a Colorado Universal Preschool provider
Grades Served:
Preschool through Kindergarten
Address: 545 W 10th Ave., Broomfield
Phone: (303) 466-8365
Website: appletreebroomfield.org
Aspen Ridge Preparatory School
Aspen Ridge Preparatory School is a PK–8 charter school in the St. Vrain Valley School District. As a tuition-free school of choice, Aspen Ridge provides rigorous academics that support each student’s growth and development
in a safe, engaging environment. We help students grow as problem-solvers, kind classmates, and engaged citizens, with character development woven into daily learning. Small class sizes, a balanced approach to technology, and highly skilled, caring teachers create a learning environment that builds confidence, strengthens character, and prepares students for success in the classroom and in life. We are preparing the child for the path, rather than the path for the child.
Grades Served: Preschool through 8th Grade
Address: 705 Austin Ave., Erie
Phone: (720) 242-6225
Website: aspenridgeprepschool.org
Bixby School
Bixby School offers a progressive education where it knows each student deeply and provide hands-on learning experiences in small classes with expert teachers who fuel and celebrate curiosity every day. Its beautiful, inspiring three-acre campus includes natural play areas and an indoor pool. Bixby is a welcoming place for family and community, with yearround events and many social and volunteer opportunities.
Boulder Valley School District – Early Childhood Education
Boulder Valley School District’s integrated preschool program welcomes children who qualify for the Colorado Preschool Program, Special Education, or who pay tuition, all in one classroom. Children learn through play. Its classrooms are set up as centers of discovery, and the children’s curiosity directs their learning. Teachers facilitate the children’s experiences while making sure they feel nurtured and safe.
Dawson School is an independent K–12 college-preparatory school in Lafayette, dedicated to excellence of mind, body and character. On 107 acres, flanked by Flatiron views, Dawson prepares students to become resilient problem-solvers who bring their best to the world. Students are known here. They are challenged here. And they leave here ready for what’s next
Flagstaff Academy is an awardwinning kindergarten through 8th grade tuition-free, public charter school in Longmont. In addition to the school’s K-8 offering, Flagstaff Academy also offers a Colorado Shines Level 5 rated preschool for three- to five-year olds. Celebrating its 20th year of operation, the school continues provide an academically rigorous curriculum.
Grades Served: Preschool through 8th grade
Da i Center for Mu cal Arts
DaVinci Center for Musical Arts
Offering music lessons for ages 3-adult, the DaVinci Center for Musical Arts is nearly a quarter century old. We make the world a brighter place by focusing on KINDNESS, INCLUSION, CREATIVITY and EXCELLENCE, all of which have brought immense well-being to humankind throughout the centuries.
Address: 2040 Miller Drive, Longmont Phone: (303) 651-7900
Website: flagstaffacademy.org
Friends School
At Friends School, we value all learners. Our creative, academically-challenging, 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 their own path. A Friends School education promises an essential foundation for a life of
davinciarts.org
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/K-4th) 5465 Pennsylvania Ave., Boulder; North Campus (5th-8th/TPP), 3800 Kalmia Ave., Boulder
Holy Family High School offers a Catholic learning environment that stresses academic excellence, fosters mutual respect, demands responsibility and encourages self-growth. Founded in 1922, Holy Family celebrates its 104th years as a Catholic high school serving the Front Range. We provide a wellrounded experience that nurtures each student's spirit, mind, and body. Here, students deepen their faith, pursue academic excellence, and engage fully in athletics, the arts, and other enriching extracurricular activities.
Grades Served: 9-12
Address: 5195 W. 144th Ave
Broomfield
Phone: (303) 410-1411
Website: holyfamilyhs.com
Hulstrom K-8
Hulstrom is a top ranked public school which specializes in advanced academics and gifted education focused on the whole child. Our highly-trained staff of teachers, specialists and administrators are educated in meeting the diverse needs of gifted learners from kindergarten through eighth grade. Our philosophy is rooted in providing students with rigorous curriculum and personalized instruction focused on academics, enrichment, and social-emotional learning.
Grades Served: K-8
Address: 11551 Wyco Drive
Northglenn
Phone: (720) 972-5400
Website: hulstrom.adams12.org
Jay and Rose Phillips Early Childhood Center
The Boulder JCC is proud to be home to an award-winning preschool, the Jay and Rose Phillips Early Childhood Center. Recognized as one of Boulder’s best preschools, we provide a premier early childhood education program in Boulder County that facilitates learning through play, discovery, and inquiry. Our philosophy is rooted in a strong image of the child. We believe that education is a dynamic process driven by a child's interaction with and investigation of their world. Every child is encouraged to wonder, explore, question, and discover, honoring their unique learning style and personal interests. Children also participate in Art, Farm, and Music studios. UPK participant.
Kohl Street Kids' Preschool Program is now enrolling for children aged 2-1/2 to 5 years. Our Before and After School Enrichment program is now enrolling for students attending Kohl Elementary.
Located in Boulder, Mapleton Montessori School has been providing authentic Montessori education to young children for 47 years. Our child-centered Montessori classrooms and amazing playground offer children a place to grow and learn at their own pace. We believe children are capable of learning a great deal through their “work” and play. In our classrooms, real-life, age-appropriate, purposeful activities foster that learning. Each classroom is directed by a fully trained and certified Montessori guide and an assistant who are there to help children as needed but who are also able to step back and allow the natural process of discovery to take place. It's a beautiful thing!
Grades Served: 2-1/2 to 6 years old (preschool through kindergarten) Address: 3121 29th St., Boulder Phone: (303) 449-4499
Website: mapletonmontessori.org
Shining Mountain Waldorf School
At Shining Mountain Waldorf School, we offer a human-centered education where academic rigor is deeply tied to how children actually learn. Our "slow-build" model prioritizes intellectual depth and mastery over early testing. By integrating arts into STEM and humanities—like using music to boost math logic and linguistic fluency—we cross-train the brain for critical thinking and resilience. Balanced with conscious technology and hands-on outdoor exploration on our 8-acre campus, we prepare students for lifelong success. Book a Tour to experience the Waldorf Advantage
Preschool through High School in Niwot. Our curriculum was developed by Ambleside International based on the teachings of British educator, Charlotte Mason.
The St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) offers a preschool program with locations available in Longmont, Niwot, Lyons, Mead and Erie, as well as the Spark! Discovery Preschool serving families in the Carbon Valley Area. Registration continues for tuition based programs with opportunities for tuition assistance through Colorado Preschool Program (CPP) and scholarships. The program is free for children who qualify for Special Education Services. “Families can rest assured that their children will be loved and cared for by educated teaching staff who work hard at helping each individual student reach their highest potential,” says Director Shela Blankinship
Grades served: Preschool Address: Various locations Phone: 303.702.7815
Website: svvsd.org/preschool
St. Vrain Community Montessori School
SVCMS fosters human thriving by nurturing the whole child in an authentic Montessori program. We operate as a tuition-free public charter school for kindergarten through 8th grade and offer a tuition-based pre-Kindergarten program. Our authentic Montessori approach features hands-on materials, student-led inquiry, and multi-age classrooms that foster peer learning. The nurturing environment’s emphasis on independence, collaboration, and responsibility ensures a calm, purposeful, and joyful atmosphere where students feel ownership of their learning and community.
Grades Served: Preschool through 8th grade
Address: 335 E Quail Road, Longmont
Phone: (303) 682-4339
Website: svcmontessori.org
Sunflower Farm
Sunflower Farm in Longmont, is a licensed Preschool, PreKindergarten, School-Aged and After School year round program, better know as "Farm School". Its mission is to cultivate an appreciation for farming, nature, and our sustainable future by hands-on animal time, gardening and harvesting, experiential play, music enrichment, nature based art projects, animal education and good old fashioned outside, nature, farm play! We offer full days, half days and afternoons options, to fit full or part-time schedules.
Grades Served: Preschool though 5th grade
Address: 11150 Prospect Road, Longmont
Phone: (303) 774-8001
Website: sunflowerfarminfo.com
Tara Performing Arts High School
Tara Performing Arts High School is a place where deep immersion in the performing arts, college preparatory academics, and cultural experience through travel create space for curiosity, human connection, and profound purpose to flourish. Students develop profound self-knowledge, empathy, and personal resilience through artistic expression, cultivate critical thinking and intellectual rigor through a demanding Waldorf curriculum, and engage in global citizenship through immersive travel and cultural study
Grades Served: 9-12
Address: 4180 19th St., Boulder
Phone: (303) 440-4510
Website: tarahighschool.org
The French Language Institute of Boulder
Join our vibrant community of learners 3-17, and 18+ for fun and interactive in-person and online classes, workshops, immersion days, and summer camps in Boulder, CO! With a wide selection of offerings – including dedicated homeschooling options– we are happy to help each student find the most suitable class that meets their goals. Join the adventure – à bientôt!
Grades Served: Kindergarten through 18+ years
Address: 1790 30th St., Boulder
Phone: (720) 720-4140
Website: thefrenchlanguageinstituteonline.org
TLC Learning Center
TLC is an inclusive early childhood education and pediatric therapy center in Longmont, Colorado We serve neurotypical and neurodivergent children side-byside in a fully inclusive learning environment that supports positive cognitive and social-emotional outcomes for all children.
Grades Served: 8 weeks to Kindergarten-ready
Address: 1444 E. 3rd Ave., Longmont
Phone: (720) 684-9659
Website: learningwithtlc.org
Treehouse Learning
Treehouse Learning provides quality early childcare and experiential education for children ages infant- kindergarten and weekly summer camps for K-3. Now in its 30th year as an independent, family-owned school, Treehouse Learning incorporates Montessori and Reggio Emilio approaches with High Scopes curriculum for play-based learning that supports academic readiness, creative expression, and social interactions! Our unique offering of enrichment specials include: creative arts, movement, music, embedded occupational therapy, mindfulness, gardening and nature-based engagement, outreach visits, and more!
Grades Served: 2 months to Kindergarten
Address: 175 N. 96th St., Louisville
Phone: (303) 666-1950
Website: treehouselearning.com
YMCA of Northern Colorado
Twin Peaks
Classical Academy
We are a tuition-free public school of choice in the St. Vrain Valley School District, conveniently located in Longmont, Colorado We are governed by engaged and passionate parents and community members, and are the longest operating charter school in the SVVSD. We are the only PK-12 classical school in Longmont, offering a unique alternative and choice for families.
Grades Served: Preschool through 12th grade
Address: 340 S. Sunset St., Longmont
Phone: (303) 772-7286
Website: twinpeaksclassical.org
Vista Ridge Academy
Vista Ridge Academy is a preschool through eighth grade Christian School located in Erie, Colorado. Through our Christcentered community and personally attentive teaching philosophy, we nurture the unique talents of each student as learners and leaders—aiming to grow confident minds, strong bodies and loving spirits.
Grades Served: Preschool through 8th grade
Address: 3100 Ridge View Drive, Erie
Phone: (303) 828-4944
Website: vistaridge.org
The YMCA of Northern Colorado provides programs and offerings that help children learn, grow and thrive. From preschools to after-school care, we expand young minds, focus on developing character, help foster positive friendships, create a lifelong love for learning and have ridiculous amounts of fun. The Y has preschools located in Longmont, Johnstown and Loveland as well as after-school care and school day off camps in four school districts.
