In an effort to inform District 60 parents and others about the school choice process, this is the fourth of 12 blog posts explaining the process and helping guide parents with helpful tips along the way. Open enrollment for the 2020-21 school year begins Jan. 13, 2020. 

One of the strengths of Pueblo School District 60 is that there is a school that caters to the strengths, interests, and needs of nearly every child. That is what school choice is all about - finding the school that best fits your child and best prepares them for the future.

It’s important to know as much as possible about the school you choose for your child, as each District 60 school has unparalleled strengths that set it apart. Some schools offer specialized  curricula and focus that may be the perfect fit for your child.

Of District 60’s 29 schools, six are classified as “Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)” magnet schools, “Innovation” schools, or International Baccalaureate (IB) schools. There are also “speciality schools” that provide a more specific curriculum. 

Let’s learn about the strengths of each of these specialty schools, or for detailed descriptions, visit the School Options summary.

STEM Magnet schools

Elementary schools: Highland Park Elementary, Bessemer Academy

Middle schools: Roncalli STEM Academy

High Schools: Central High School

STEM is not simply an acronym, meaning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; rather a way of teaching and learning that yields critical 21st century skills such as critical thinking, inquiry, problem solving, creativity, innovation, and collaborative team work. From elementary school all the way up to high school, students at these schools are tasked to solve real-world problems in a hands-on, open-ended way.

Innovation schools

Elementary Schools: Irving Elementary, Minnequa Elementary, Franklin School of Innovation

Middle schools: Pueblo Academy of the Arts, Risley International Academy of Innovation, Roncalli STEM Academy.

Innovation schools are unique because they are allowed to implement unique and innovative strategies that best meet the needs of their students. 

International Baccalaureate (IB) Schools

K-3: Fountain International Magnet School

4th-8th: Corwin International Magnet School

High school: East International Baccalaureate Magnet School

International Baccalaureate (IB) programs provide a rigorous, high quality education that improves academic achievement. The most rigorous path of study offered in District 60, the IB program helps students improve their intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world, following a curriculum that is recognized worldwide. There are more than 573,000 IB students at 2,145 schools in 125 countries.

The IB curriculum is tailored from Kindergarten upward, culminating in an IB diploma that signals to colleges and employers that the student is a superior scholar. 

Other specialty schools

Eva Baca Elementary (PreK-5): A “No Excuses University,” the first in Colorado, which commits to college-readiness for its students. Each classroom is adopted by a major university.

Belmont Elementary (PreK-5): Demands high academic achievement for all students in a caring, nurturing and welcoming learning environment

Bradford Elementary (PreK-5): A technology-focused school, each student is issued a Chromebook. The school has a strong focus on positive behavior and school culture. 

Haaff Elementary (PreK-5): WIth a rigorous learning environment designed to challenge all students academically, Haaff has a specific focus on literacy and mathematics.

Goodnight School (PreK-8): District 60’s only K-8 school, Goodnight is a high-performance school with high expectations. As it pertains to school choice, please note all Goodnight 5th graders must fill out a school choice application in order to remain at the school in 6th grade. 

Heaton Middle School: With a focus on academics, arts and athletics, Heaton focuses on producing well-rounded students. 

Sunset Park Elementary (PreK-5): 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 ten schools in Colorado and less than 500 worldwide to earn this distinction. 

To learn more about each school in District 60, visit http://www.pueblocityschools.us/schools.

If you have more questions, read one of the blog posts below or contact the District 60 School Choice team at (719) 253-6014 or schoolchoice@pueblocityschools.us.