How we do it:

• Eight-week year-round block schedule
• 90-minute classes provide stronger focus in greater depth
• Small classes – average of 18 students
• Accelerated program allows students the opportunity to graduate in two years
• ACT, CSAP, and independent assessments provide for accountability; Boulder Valley School District and State of Colorado provide for standards

Boulder Preparatory High School is a college preparatory program. Our curriculum includes all core classes and a variety of electives drawn from actual college-level courses. We teach our classes to align with requirements for the ACT (American College Test) and college demands. This curriculum best prepares our students for success after high school. Students must receive a C- or better to earn credit for a class; D work is not acceptable.

We also offer a direct instruction program to close educational gaps. Many students who enroll at Boulder Prep are not performing at grade level proficiency. These students are enrolled in the Dreamcatchers Direct Instruction program taught on-site. Instruction groups are no larger than one teacher for four students. Instructors work on math, reading or spelling to get students to high school level proficiency. Many students who could not read or could not function in the classroom have been transitioned back into regular courses and are able to pursue their high school diploma and then go on to college.

Special Programs and Opportunities

We have a partnership with the University of Colorado at Denver to offer students the opportunity to take college classes while still enrolled in high school. Over the last four years an average of forty five percent of the graduates earned college credit prior to receiving their high school diplomas. One student earned 16 college credits during her senior year at BPHS.
We also have a Service Learning/Internship program where students volunteer or intern in the community for credit. An internship example was a student working with monolingual youth at a local elementary school helping them learn English. We also have a Service Learning Class that meets twice a week and half the students go to Community Food Share to volunteer while the other half prepares lunch for the entire school.

Teaching Life Skills is a routine part of each day, with a more in-depth program on Fridays. Our Friday Life Skills brings the entire school community together every Friday. During this time, we use activities, discussion, games, speakers and movies to address specific skill building areas that strengthen our community and foster positive social and emotional skills. This curriculum enhances our school climate by developing pro-social young adults with the ability to meet the demands of an ever-changing society. The following are some examples of topics for Friday Life Skills:

• Self-Esteem
• Current Events
• Time Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Diversity Awareness
• Gender Issues
• Health and Nutrition
• Abusive/Healthy Relationships