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School Choice Offers the Opportunity to Take Advantage of All D60 Offers
With the School Choice “lottery process” now underway, it’s the ideal time to consider the wealth of opportunities and options Pueblo School District 60 offers students, whether at the elementary, middle or high school levels.
At D60, we educate students from throughout Pueblo County, as well as out-of-district students, who are taking advantage of the enriching educational offerings and extra-curricular activities that set the district apart.
These are exciting times for the district. As a show of trust in the way we are preparing students to live a life of purpose and impact, the Pueblo community in 2019 approved a $218 million bond: funds that will allow for the building of state-of-the-art high schools to replace East and Centennial, as well as new buildings for Sunset Park Elementary and Franklin School of Innovation.
Additionally, a slate of repairs and renovations are taking place at schools throughout the district, thereby extending the life of these buildings while improving their safety and functionality.
Now, every student is equipped with a technological device, whether an iPad or a Chromebook. This one-to-one arrangement will serve to enhance the educational experience as our schools return to in-person instruction.
Whatever the learning and social/emotional needs of your child or children, D60 and its dedicated educators and support staff are ready to meet them.
Regardless of the specific focus or specialty area of a particular school, every educator is committed to ensuring that all students meet the Colorado Academic Standards.
Here is a look at the wide range of opportunities families can take advantage of through School Choice:
Neighborhood Schools. A child's "neighborhood school" is based on his or her home address, and is often the school located closest to the home.
Comprehensive High Schools. At East, Centennial, Central and South, college preparatory courses and Career and Technical Education offerings are complemented by a rich history of tradition and a variety of activities, both in school and extra-curricular: athletics, performing arts, JROTC, DECA, FBLA, speech and theater, service clubs and more.
Career and Technical Education. At each of our high schools, students are afforded the opportunity to gain real world work experience and the skills and talents that lead to industry-certification opportunities and an immediate career right out of high school, if desired. Our CTE curriculum boasts pathways in food service, law enforcement, engineering and medical, business, video communications/digital media, manufacturing, construction and more.
International Baccalaureate. Our IB curriculum, which begins at the elementary level, is intended to develop students' intellectual, emotional, personal and social skills and prepare them to be active, caring lifelong learners. It’s a crucial tool that prepares students to succeed in a world where facts and fiction merge in the news, and where asking the right questions is a crucial skill that will allow them to flourish long after high school.
Our primary years (K-3) IB program is offered at Fountain International Magnet School; the middle years (4-8) at Corwin International Magnet School; and the diploma program at East High School.
All three schools are certified by the IB governing body.
Research from leading institutions show that IB students are more likely than their peers to succeed in higher education.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). To be successful in the 21st-century workforce, an education rich in STEM is absolutely vital: a way of teaching and learning that yields valuable skills such as critical thinking, inquiry, problem solving, creativity, innovation, and collaborative teamwork.
From the elementary level through high school, our four STEM magnet schools are giving students the coveted opportunity of solving real-world problems in a hands-on, open-ended way.
Our STEM Magnet schools – Highland Park Elementary, Bessemer Academy, Roncalli STEM Academy and Central High School – utilize the Project Lead the Way curriculum, designed to empower students to explore career paths, engage in problem solving and process thinking, develop technical knowledge and skills, and build communication skills.
At Central, PLTW is preparing students for rewarding careers in engineering and the medical field once a college degree, or higher, is earned.
Additionally, our non-STEM Magnet Schools Heaton Middle School and Minnequa Elementary School utilize PLTW through electives and lessons.
Innovation Schools. Innovation schools are unique because they are allowed to implement unique and innovative strategies, with flexibility and adaptability, that best meet the needs of their students.
The D60 Innovation Zone Vision was established to create a culture of learning that develops all students into tomorrow’s extraordinary citizens. In order to achieve this vision, the D60 Innovation Zone mission is to engage students in authentic learning that empowers them to reach their highest potential in a changing global community.
In all, seven of our schools comprise the Innovation Zone: Irving Elementary, Minnequa Elementary, Franklin School of Innovation, Bessemer Academy, Pueblo Academy of Arts, Risley International Academy of Innovation, Roncalli STEM Academy.
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination.) AVID students reflect and question while mastering content, rather than just repeating and memorizing. At our AVID schools, students are taught to articulate what they don’t understand and learn how to seek out the resources they need. By teaching critical thinking, inquiry, and self-advocacy, AVID educators empower students to own their learning.
Our AVID schools are East High School, Heaton Middle School, Risley Academy of Innovation, Beulah Heights Elementary, Franklin School of Innovation, Minnequa Elementary, and Baca Elementary.
No Excuses University. The leadership and staff at our two schools in the NEU network, Park View Elementary and South Park Elementary, continually instill the belief in students that no matter one’s circumstances or standing, college can be a reality. Students are not only reminded of this goal but encouraged to work toward it.
Alternative education: Paragon Learning Center is home to our alternative education campus, including Dutch Clark Digital High School. Paragon opened in 2015 as a flexible and non-traditional high school program designed to meet students right where they are. The flexible and blended learning programs utilize digital learning, opportunities for face-to face instruction and allow for scheduling and learning options for students who may otherwise not be able to fit into the traditional school model. In addition to serving these students, Dutch Clark Digital is able to increase access to electives and alternative areas of study for all students.
The focus is on flexibility, with the Dutch Clark Digital curriculum adapted to meet a student right where he or she is, with a high school diploma and a bright future the ultimate goal.
Districtwide, every school offers something special to students that cannot be found anywhere else. Here is a glance at some highlighted schools:
PRE-K THROUGH 5
Belmont Elementary: Demands high academic achievement for all students in a caring, nurturing and welcoming learning environment.
Bradford Elementary: A technology-focused school with a strong focus on positive behavior and school culture.
Carlile Elementary: With a vibrant focus on positive behavior and school culture, Carlile prides itself on high expectations and its focus on student learning.
Columbian Elementary: Columbian boasts a diverse community, with roots in Pueblo dating back to 1892. Columbian's highly qualified staff is dedicated to meeting the needs of all students.
Sunset Park Elementary: A Leader in Me school focused on empowering students with the leadership and life skills needed to thrive in the 21st century. Recognized as a Lighthouse School, Sunset Park is one of only 10 schools in Colorado and less than 500 worldwide to earn this distinction.
Haaff Elementary: With a rigorous learning environment designed to challenge all students academically, Haaff has a specific focus on literacy and mathematics.
Heritage Elementary: Serving Pueblo's South Side, Heritage prides itself on high-achievement and a positive school culture.
Morton Elementary: "Everybody is somebody" at Morton Elementary, where students experience a rigorous learning environment with high expectations for every student.
PRE-K THROUGH 8
Goodnight School: District 60’s only K-8 school, Goodnight is a high-performance school with high expectations.
To learn more about D60 and how to take advantage of School Choice, call our School Choice Help Line at 719-253-6014 or write schoolchoice@pueblocityschools.us.
Additionally, more information can be found at www.pueblod60.org.
There, families can enter the School Choice lottery process.