A Word About Schools
Good schools are an important part of every community. While we are proud that our Evergreen and Conifer area schools enjoy superior scores in standardized tests, that is not necessarily what makes our schools superior.
Most standardized tests measure the temporary retention of low-level skills and soon-to-be-forgotten facts. The tests are timed and multiple choice, which means that students don’t have the chance to express careful, reasoned thinking.
Research confirms that some very talented, hardworking students may do poorly on standardized tests, while some superb test takers tend to think superficially. Moreover, terrific teaching that helps kids become critical, curious, creative thinkers may cause scores to drag because it’s not necessarily aimed at test-taking.
What, then, can be used as a marker of good schools? One answer is size. For many reasons, smaller schools/class sizes are often better. Another answer is community/parental involvement. The schools worth bragging about are those where students feel they are part of a caring community, where even kindergartners get the chance to tell stories and teachers create democratic classrooms so that kids learn how to make good decisions. If teachers make sure students understand ideas instead of just memorizing facts, people should clamor to live in that district.
We invite you to visit our Evergreen and Conifer schools, to talk with the teachers and speak with other parents about what they like and dislike. And after you settle into the area, we encourage you to become an involved participant in your child’s education. We are certain you will notice a positive outcome.
Evergreen and Conifer School Information
Because the Evergreen/Conifer Colorado area reaches into three counties (Jefferson, Clear Creek and Park), children attend one of the three school systems depending on their county of residence.
Mountain area schools include 9 elementary schools, 4 middle schools and 4 high schools. Students achieve high scores on standardized test in the basic skill of reading, math and language arts. Depending on the subject area, approximately 60% to 80% of the district’s students tested scored above the 50th percentile. Of the high percentage of students entering college, 85% went on to a four-year school and 15% attended a two-year school.
All mountain area schools follow the traditional 9-month school year. Opening and closing hours are staggered for each level to enable busses to run efficiently. The district’s policy is to provide transportation to elementary students who live more than a mile from school, junior high students who live more than two miles from school, and senior high students who live more than two and a half miles from school. Bus schedules and pick-up points are available at local schools.
New Student registration at school is usually held the last week in August. Elementary students should have a birth certificate and previous report card at registration. Secondary students should have previous grades forwarded to their new school. All students must be fully immunized in accordance with the Colorado Immunization Law.
