Back-to-School Updates 2025

Carbon Valley (12th Grade, Class of 2026)

Scholars attending New Meridian, Frederick, Peak to Peak, and Niwot High Schools

Our Carbon Valley seniors are making significant strides toward their postsecondary goals, with acceptance letters already arriving from universities across Colorado and beyond. Through weekly presentations and dedicated support from our Postsecondary Department, students are checking off critical milestones for their final year, with a quarter of the cohort already earning college credit. This summer, several students participated in residential programs at major Colorado universities, including one student whose team won a business competition at CSU Fort Collins. Beyond academics, these young leaders are giving back to their communities through coaching, community service, and involvement in cultural organizations.

Elk (11th & 12th Grades, Classes of 2026, 2027)

Scholars attending Boulder, Fairview and other Boulder-area high schools

The Elk cohort is thriving as relationships deepen and students grow more comfortable with each other throughout the school year. Our seniors are actively preparing for college applications in October, with most planning to pursue postsecondary studies in college or specialized training programs. Recent programming brought My Nature Lab to campus, connecting students' love of fishing with scientific learning about local amphibians and reptiles. Seniors receive weekly sessions with our postsecondary department staff to explore options and complete applications, while the rest of high school students benefit from biweekly college readiness programming.

La Vista (Mainly 10th Grade, Class of 2028, with others)

Most scholars attending Centaurus High School. Others at Justice, Peak to Peak, Broomfield, Monarch, New Meridian.

Our La Vista program is hitting its stride with a renewed focus on individualized student support and relationship building. Students are receiving targeted homework help and learning crucial self-advocacy skills through regular one-on-one check-ins with staff. Staff are implementing more frequent check-ins and personalized assistance beyond field trips to ensure each student receives the support they need. In a powerful demonstration of student agency, our young people recently planned and executed their own field trip to Gateway Park Fun Center using a provided budget, showing their growing skills in decision-making and financial planning.

Alicia (9th Grade, Class of 2029)

Most scholars attending Centaurus High School

The Alicia cohort has successfully transitioned to Centaurus High School and is flourishing in their new environment with peer support from our La Vista students. Goal-setting exercises are providing a strong foundation for personalized support through one-on-one sessions with our social work Intern. Students are balancing academic needs with enriching experiences, from focused homework time to hands-on activities like slime-making. Monthly outdoor education sessions with Jalen Bazile from Travl Wide add an important dimension to learning, recently engaging students in team-building through activities like Capture the Flag.

Diagonal Court (8th - 10th Grade, Classes of 2028, 2029, 2030)

Scholars attending Casey, Centennial, Summit, Manhattan Middle Schools

This year marks an important transition for the Diagonal cohort as many students navigate the shift from middle school to high school. Freshmen are learning to advocate for themselves in their new environment while adapting to the demands of high school life. The middle school portion of this group is temporarily joining with NoBo students to ensure programming aligns with their developmental stage before the full cohort reunites next year. High school students are enjoying hands-on learning through cooking classes offered in partnership with the Boulder Community Partnership/Youth Services Initiatve.

NoBo (6th - 8th Grade, Classes of 2030 to 2032)

Scholars attending Casey, Centennial, Summit and Manhattan Middle Schools

The NoBo cohort is experiencing rich, multifaceted programming that supports both academic and social-emotional growth. Through our PISEC partnership (Partnerships for Informal Science Education in the Community), CU students visit weekly to deliver hands-on chemistry lessons, while our social work intern guides students through the Wayfinder curriculum focused on kindness and emotional regulation. Students have chosen volleyball as their healthy living focus this semester under the guidance of Jahmiel, a trusted mentor who has worked with this class since its inception. With a robust team including four high school Youth Program Assistants, an AmeriCorps member, and a social work intern, students are well-supported as they explore everything from metal art at Groundworks to seasonal adventures at local pumpkin patches.