Enhancing the Freshman Experience: St. Vrain Valley School District’s JumpStart Program
Many high schools across the state now offer a transition day for rising ninth graders to familiarize themselves with their new school environment before the rest of the students return after summer break. However, the St. Vrain Valley School District has taken this initiative a step further by introducing an optional two-week summer JumpStart program for incoming freshmen. This program, which ran at the district's eight comprehensive high schools, attracted nearly 600 students and was provided free of charge to families.
The $263,000 program combines algebra and language arts readiness with opportunities for students to connect with teachers and classmates. Successfully completing the program earns students an elective credit, helping them get a head start on their high school journey. The initiative is part of the district’s broader efforts to boost graduation rates, as research shows that on-time graduation is largely determined by how students perform during their freshman year. Students who fail more than one class are significantly less likely to graduate, making early intervention crucial.
To support students beyond the first day of school, high school leadership teams regularly review data on students struggling in core classes. This allows them to identify those in need of additional support, such as free after-school tutoring and online credit recovery classes. The goal is to ensure that all students stay on track to graduate.
Ashley Beaudoin, a ninth-grade team leader at Longmont High School, emphasized the importance of addressing potential issues early. “There's a lot of data that backs up why freshman year is so important,” she said. “The hope is that we're jumping in front of the problem. We want to catch the kids that would fall through the cracks.”
District leaders report that these efforts are yielding positive results. St. Vrain’s on-time graduation rate for the class of 2024 was among the highest in the state at 94.3%, up from 93.3% the previous year. In comparison, the statewide average on-time graduation rate was 84.2%.
For the JumpStart program, which runs for eight days, high schools must cover at least 16 hours each of language arts and math. Beyond that, schools have the flexibility to design their own curriculum. For example, Lyons Middle Senior High once had students solve a criminal case and participate in a mock trial. Other schools incorporate field trips, guest speakers, and competitions.
While the program is open to all students, middle schools often recommend specific students who could benefit most. At Frederick High, which had the highest enrollment, about half of the incoming freshman class participated. Molly Johnson, the JumpStart coordinator at Longmont High, noted that while she contacts families of students suggested by middle schools, she also encourages any student eager to get a head start to sign up.
“Coming in and getting to know some of the teachers and making peer connections is really important,” she said. “It teaches students how to thrive in high school. When you go in the school on the first day, you're ready.”
Johnson designed the JumpStart schedule to keep students engaged, mixing academic sessions with hands-on activities. Students helped clean the school, went on a disc golf trip, and created "Who Am I" collages. They also quizzed upperclassmen about high school life, gaining insights on everything from learning strategies to balancing school and sports.
Layna Galloway, a rising junior, encouraged students to try new things. “You're going to find people with the same interests as you and have a good community.” Sophia Chleborad, another rising junior, advised students to approach others. “Just go up to people because they want to make friends, too. It sounds crazy, but if you talk to them, they'll talk back to you.”
Dominic Medina, a rising junior, emphasized the importance of staying on top of assignments. “Show up to your classes and try to get your work done in class whenever you can. When you start leaving work to the last minute and get behind, that's when it gets a lot more difficult.”
Genesis Pereyra, a rising freshman, enrolled in JumpStart to earn credits and get a preview of her new school. “I thought the extra help and reminders would be useful. I'm excited to meet new people, but I'm scared it's going to be a lot of people.”
At Erie High, 80 students cycled through math, English, and social emotional lessons. Counselor Kerri Mitchell led social emotional lessons that included school tours and games. One day, students navigated the empty school to find their classes, with Mitchell providing directions and reassurance. After finding their classrooms, they competed in building tin foil boats, testing how many pennies they could hold before sinking.
“We're trying to get them to not be embarrassed about being interested in things,” said Jake Rupp, a ninth-grade English teacher. “Your differences and the interests you have are what make you interesting.”
Emma Martin, a rising ninth grader, found the program valuable for earning a credit, reviewing material, and becoming comfortable in a new school. “I wanted to be less stressed out about the first day. I wanted to meet more people and get a feel for the school.”