SVVSD leads Colorado metro districts in graduation rate

The St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) has once again achieved the highest graduation rate among large metro-area districts in Colorado, reaching an impressive 94.3% for the 2023-2024 school year. This milestone reflects the district's longstanding commitment to providing high-quality education and comprehensive support systems that keep students engaged and on track for graduation.

Superintendent Don Haddad attributes this success to a combination of early childhood education, rigorous academic programs, extended learning opportunities, and career-focused pathways. "A lot of children that are graduating now had that great early start in preschool and full-day kindergarten [in SVVSD schools]," Haddad said.

Recognizing that additional instructional time can be key to academic success, SVVSD also provides after-school programming through its Achievement Acceleration Academy (AAA) program. This program, offered two to three times a week, allows students to receive extra academic support while also ensuring they have access to transportation and meals.

In addition, the district has extended school-year options, with students in grades K-8 able to attend classes throughout June in a regular classroom setting with smaller class sizes.

Niwot High School, a standout within SVVSD, has one of the highest graduation rates in the district at over 97%. Principal Eric Rauschkolb credits this achievement to a proactive approach to addressing student needs. "We have five counselors at NHS, and each one works very hard to know their students and keep their progress towards graduating on time," Rauschkolb said.

"We address potential problems before it gets to the point of not graduating on time," he added, noting that the school holds individual and family meetings to develop personalized plans for students needing extra support.

"Counselors consistently track student attendance, grades, and credits," said NHS counselor Leah Messinger. "Identifying students and making a plan to get back on track together is the best intervention."

One of the district's most impactful strategies has been the expansion of career and technical education (CTE) programs, which align students' interests with classes and provide tangible career pathways. SVVSD offers several programs including welding, machining, optics, electronics, and culinary arts. These fields provide students with industry certifications and skills that can lead to high-paying jobs immediately after high school. "These opportunities inspire kids to graduate because they can go directly into the workforce," Haddad explained.

The district also leads the state in Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH), with programs at Skyline High, Frederick High, Silver Creek High, and Longmont High. These programs enable students to earn a two-year associate's degree while completing their high school diploma, all at no cost to them.

Since the first program's introduction to SVVSD in 2016, 288 internships have been completed and 163 associate's degrees have been earned. "When students realize they can graduate with a college degree and no debt, it's a strong incentive to stay in school," Haddad said.

Extracurricular involvement has also played a significant role in boosting graduation rates. In the district high schools, participation in athletics, music, and other co-curricular activities has increased from 50% to 85%, and the district has provided transportation and financial assistance to remove barriers to participation.

At Niwot High School, Rauschkolb emphasized the importance of these programs. "Research shows that there's a strong correlation between students being involved in extracurricular activities and their ability to perform in the classroom, having stronger attendance, and less behavioral issues," he said.

"The range of clubs is fascinating, and we constantly make changes to ensure there's something for everyone to get involved in and excited about," Messinger added.

The district's dropout rate has also reached a record low of 0.4%, demonstrating the effectiveness of its targeted interventions. Students who fall behind can access credit recovery programs through technology-based e-recovery courses, ensuring they stay on track for graduation.

"One of my assistant principals, Erin Roe, works most closely with our counselors to make sure that we know who is struggling and putting proper interventions in place to get them caught up," Rauschkolb explained.

One of the most notable achievements within SVVSD is the dramatic rise in Hispanic student graduation rates. Historically, this rate hovered around 55%, but with the implementation of increased graduation requirements in math and science alongside expanded support programs, it has now reached 90%.

"We made it harder to graduate, and our students rose to the challenge," Haddad said, referencing the district's 24.5-credit graduation requirement, which is higher than almost all similar-sized Colorado school districts.

Messinger, a former SVVSD student and Niwot High graduate herself, sees the district's success as a testament to the community's commitment to education. "Our leadership's commitment to innovation will not only continue to raise the bar but also inspire students to aim even higher."

With a foundation rooted in innovation and a dedication to excellence, SVVSD is poised to continue setting the standard for student success in Colorado and beyond.