Individualized Curriculum

Our classes are designed to gives students ownership of their education. Some classes offer options for students' focused study, while other classes are created collaboratively between the student and teacher based on individual needs towards graduation.

Modules

Our curriculum is based on Colorado state standards and local C-TACHS (Content Targets and Assessment Checklists). Teachers present content through weekly modules that allow students to connect with authentic material, assignments, and learning experiences.

​These modules can include trips, movies, lectures, guest speakers, debates - whatever lends itself well to the content.

​See our Academics page for more information and examples of modules we offer students.

Targeted interventions

When students enroll at CCHS, they work with their advisor, the principal, and the counselor to develop an Individualized Learning Plan that outlines when a student plans to graduate, which credits they still need to complete, and which targeted interventions (academic, social/emotional, and schedule) will help them be successful. Students have the opportunity to work at their own pace based on their goals and individual needs.

Advisory

Advisory ensures that every student is known as a person by an adult. The student's advisor serves as an accountability coach, counselor, point of contact, and cheerleader. Advisors also facilitate advisory, a time of day where students develop executive functioning skills, personal well-being, interconnectedness, and real world connections.

Ownership and Accountability

We teach students to take ownership of and be accountable for their education. We do this through bi-weekly contracts. Every week, students set goals and sign up for modules; two weeks later, at the end of the contract period, they assess themselves and their progress towards graduation. This process allows students to plan for classes they will take to build credits and to reflect on how they can improve on what they are doing.

​Students get feedback or direction from their advisor when they encounter obstacles and praise when they find success. Parents and guardians are sent updates of their student's progress after each bi-weekly "check" to ensure they are included in the learning process and have the opportunity to ask questions.

Authentic experiences

Modules and school activities give students the opportunity to get out of the building and learn about the world in authentic ways. Field trips include camping in Mesa Verde, meeting with our elected officials at the Colorado state capitol, experiencing free falling at iFly in Denver, visiting colleges and trade schools around the state, exploring local history at the Leadville Mining Museum, analyzing art at the Denver Art Museum, and others. Field trip opportunities are often designed around student interests - and sometimes are even planned by the students themselves.

Physical Play and Learning

We use physical activity as a form of expression and learning - whether it's yoga, frisbee golf,  rock climbing, softball, or basketball games - we try to get out and allow our bodies to do what they do naturally.

Collaboration with Community Organizations

We work with a variety of organizations in the Buena Vista community, both to meet the needs of our students and to give back to the community through service work.